asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that, under Section 13 of the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1939, the allowance which an employer is required to pay to an employee on annual holidays in respect of board and lodging is 7d. a day, except in borough areas where the allowance is fixed at 1/- a day; and whether, in view of the inadequacy of such amounts, he will take steps, at an early date, to secure that a proper allowance will be provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Holiday Allowances.
No proposals for the amendment of the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1939, in the manner indicated in the question, are under consideration.
Will the Minister indicate, as a matter of interest, how the figures of 7d. and 1/- a day in respect of board and lodging were arrived at? I am sure the Minister will agree that these figures bear no relation to the cost of these services to-day, particularly in Dublin.
They represent the minimum statutory obligation of employers.
I quite agree, but how were the figures arrived at?
That is a separate question.
Where are they supposed to go on these allowances—is it to the Shelbourne, or some new luxury hotel?