asked the Minister for Labour his views on whether four weeks or more is the norm for annual holidays especially in unionised employments; and if he will consider, in the interest of those workers who are not well organised amending the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1973, to provide for a minimum of four weeks annual holidays.
Written Answers. - Holiday Entitlements.
186.
Under the first and second national understandings of 1979 and 1980 provision was made for the negotiation of up to 19 days' annual leave. Such entitlements would have been negotiated in most employments.
The conditions of employment of many non-unionised workers are governed by Employment Regulation Orders made under the Industrial Relations Act, 1946. Such workers generally have an annual entitlement to between 19 and 20 day's leave.
I consider that in present economic circumstances any improvements in terms of employment, including holiday entitlements, must be subordinated to efforts to preserve and create jobs. I do not believe, therefore, that increases in holiday entitlements should be a priority at this time and I have no proposals to increase the statutory minimum entitlement.