asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will amend the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1961 so as to provide that Good Friday be a public holiday in addition to existing public holidays.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Good Friday as Public Holiday.
14.
As I indicated when this matter was raised in the House on the Committee Stage of the Holidays (Employees) Bill, 1961, the appointment of any particular day to be a public holiday is a function of the Government under the Public Holidays Act, 1924.
I have power, under Section 8 (5) of the Holidays (Employees) Act, to make regulations so that any new public holiday which the Government might declare would be a holiday with pay for workers. The question of amendment of the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1961, for the purpose suggested by the Deputy does not, therefore, arise.
Would the Minister consider making it a public holiday without amending the Act?
That is not within the scope of my functions.