asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether representations were made to him regarding the desirability of amending the Conditions of Employment Act so as to bring within its scope caretakers, lamplighters and watchmen employed by the Dublin Corporation; whether having regard to the conditions under which men in these categories are employed and the unwillingness of the corporation, in the absence of mandatory legislation, to adjust their claims, he is prepared to amend the Act so as to limit their hours of work and deal with their employment on Sunday, or, alternatively, whether he contemplates introducing new legislation relating to employment of the character referred to; and whether any such proposed legislation will be introduced at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation Employees.
I have received no representations of the nature referred to in the question since the passing of the Conditions of Employment Act, 1944, which amended the principal Act. The Deputy will recollect that the position of these workers was discussed when that Act was before the Dáil and I expressed the view that it would not be appropriate to bring caretakers, lamplighters and watchmen within the scope of an Act which regulates the conditions for industrial employment. The case of these workers, however, has been noted for consideration in connection with any future legislation which may be introduced to regulate the conditions of employment of workers not coming within the scope of existing Acts. I am not at present in a position to indicate even approximately when such legislation may be introduced.
The Minister will be aware that, only recently, due to the delay in dealing with another section of workers, we nearly had a stoppage in the Port of Dublin. Surely the matter might be expedited a little more, seeing that the Minister for Industry and Commerce himself, Deputy Lemass, admitted that there was a claim to be made in regard to certain of these workers?
I am afraid I cannot depart from the reply — that it is impossible to give any indication as to when such legislation may be introduced.