asked the Minister for Labour the plans he has to implement the recommendations of the working party on child care facilities for working parents which was published in March 1983; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Child Care Facilities for Working Parents.
84.
The implementation of the recommendations of the working party on child care facilities for working parents is a matter for the various authorities involved. These include certain Government Departments, health boards, trade unions and employers' organisations.
The main recommendations of relevance to my Department relate to the extension of coverage under protective legislation to part time and temporary employees and other similar categories where they are not already covered, and the extension of the period of unpaid maternity leave.
The general question of reducing the eligibility thresholds in labour legislation is kept under review by my Department. In fact, I arranged under the Protection of Employees (Employers Insolvency) Act, 1984, which came into force on 30 November 1984, to lower the eligibility thresholds to 18 hours a week under the Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 1979, the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973, and the Unfair Dismissals Act, 1977. This brings eligibility thresholds in labour legislation into line with the threshold for eligibility under the social welfare code.
The question of extending the period of unpaid maternity leave will be considered when the Maternity Protection of Employees Act, 1981, comes up for review. The working party also recommended to trade unions and employers that they should adopt a more constructive approach to considering possible changes in relation to the status of part time and temporary work, alternative working arrangements, and the provision of forms of day care facility at or near the work place. In recognition of its important promotional and monitoring role, I asked the Employment Equality Agency last year to examine what stimulatory role it might usefully play in promoting a constructive dialogue between both sides of industry in these matters. I am convinced that the advice and influence of the Agency can usefully complement the report of the working party and encourage the social partners to translate its recommendations into practicable initiatives.