asked the Minister for Finance if instructions were given to the Office of Public Works employees for a four-day week employment; if so, the reason they were not allowed one day a week off instead of one week off in four weeks; and if he will reverse the decision to one day a week off so that the employees do not lose 12 weeks stamps in the year.
Written Answers. - Short Time Working.
22.
I issued no instructions to employees of the Office of Public Works regarding four day per week working.
Prior to the introduction of short time working on drainage maintenance schemes the unions representing the workers concerned opted for one week off in every five instead of one day off in every week as originally proposed. This system is now in operation and it is not proposed to change it.
The Commissioners of Public Works have been advised by the Department of Social Welfare that the workers concerned will qualify for credits for weeks on which they are laid off.