asked the Minister for Labour if it is proposed to introduce legislation to improve the status and conditions of girls in domestic service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Domestic Service Conditions.
13.
The Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973, which will come into effect on 1st September this year, will improve the employment conditions of domestic workers in the same way as other workers in non-agricultural employment. Conditions will be further improved on the enactment of legislation on holidays and hours of work, at present being drafted. In the circumstances, I see no reason at this time to propose special legislation to deal with any special category. Should it become necessary at some future time, however, to legislate for any category of workers, I shall feel it my duty to bring appropriate proposals before the House.
As the Minister is aware, these girls have no trade union to protect them; therefore, this House must. Would the Minister have a look at the workings of the Redundancy Payments Act because I feel that abuses are taking place under that Act at present? People are being declared redundant and, when they make claims, some of the employers are protesting and saying that they are not redundant.
If the Deputy knows of cases where this Act is not being complied with I would be glad to receive such information. These domestic workers are covered by the Act and enjoy the benefits under it.
I have given a case already.