asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that dockers who are casually employed are not covered by the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1939; and, if so, if he will introduce proposals for legislation to amend the Act so as to enable these workers to receive the same holidays as other industrial workers covered by the Act.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dockers and Holidays (Employees) Act.
I am not aware that casual dockers are not covered by the Holidays Act. In some cases the intermittent nature of their employment does not enable them to qualify for the full amount of leave prescribed by the Act. I understand, however, that an agreement is being operated between the dockers and their employers which is in general much more favourable to the workers than the Holidays Act.
I wish to inform the Parliamentary Secretary that that is not so. The arrangement, while it is somewhat more satisfactory than before, is not at all satisfactory to the dockers. They feel that they have as good a right to receive the benefits of the Holidays Act as any other industrial workers and I hope that the Parliamentary Secretary will reconsider his reply.
I take it that the Deputy is aware that under the Holidays Act a higher minimum period is required before a person is entitled to holidays. Under the agreement with the dockers there is a minimum period of 666 hours. From that up a person is entitled to five days' leave up to a maximum, with 2,000 hours or more, of 12 days. If the Holidays Act were applied a number of dockers would not be entitled to any holidays.
I would like to inform the Parliamentary Secretary that that is not so.
The Deputy frequently rises to inform Ministers, but he is supposed to rise to ask for information.
I must inform the Parliamentary Secretary that that is not so. I am aware of the arrangement between the dockers and the employers and that they are not covered by the Holidays Act and we are seeking to have them covered by the Holidays Act.