asked the Minister for Labour if he will undertake a special review of the wage rates and conditions of employment of young persons employed as part-time and particularly week-end servers in licensed premises, part-time and full-time petrol pump attendants, trainee supermarket managers, so-called trainee hotel managers and hotel manageresses; and if he will, in particular, ensure that effective statutory minimum wage rates and conditions of employment are introduced and enforced in respect of such employments.
Written Answers. - Part-time and Weekend Employment of Young Persons.
266.
Statutory minimum rates of pay apply in respect of the various occupations covered by the Joint Labour Committee system and the Labour Court may, subject to certain conditions, establish a joint labour committee for any group of workers. There are not at present any joint labour committees operating in respect of workers in the occupations referred to by the Deputy and accordingly the remuneration and conditions of employment of these workers are matters for negotiation between them—or a trade union acting on their behalf—and their employers.
The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1977, limits hours of work, prescribes rest periods and prohibits night work of young persons under 18 years of age, including those employed in the occupations referred to. This Act is enforced by the inspectorate of my Department.
Should the Deputy have any information which would indicate that young people in the occupations he has referred to are being unfairly treated, I will be prepared to consider what action I could take in the matter.