asked the Minister for Labour if, in view of the fact that Irish workers have fewer public holidays than workers in most other EC countries, he will consider the introduction of additional public holidays; and if, in particular, he will consider making May Day a public holiday.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Holidays.
11.
While I appreciate the historic significance of May Day, it is not intended at this stage to declare any additional public holidays. In the current economic climate, the priorities of the Government in relation to employment are concentrated on implementing policies which will lead to the preservation of existing jobs and the creation of new jobs. The declaration of an additional public holiday, which would directly increase employment costs, would not be compatible with that strategy.
I am disappointed with the Minister's response. I am blue in the face listening to Government Ministers claiming success in economic policies and saying how vibrant and alive the economy is. The profitability of Irish industry is there to be seen in the export of capital back to the parent countries of the multinationals at an incredible rate. I do not accept that we can ill-afford to celebrate Labour Day on 1 May. Given that we are full members of the EC now and so many common policies are developing, we will be left out on a limb yet again if we do not at least recognise that the working class of Europe celebrate May Day. To leave us out in the cold would isolate us yet again within Europe. When one looks at the public holidays——
Please Deputy Byrne. I think the Deputy has adequately made his point.
Let me cite some of the holidays which are benefiting workers in Europe.
This is hardly the occasion for making a speech, Deputy.
My question——
The Deputy has had a great deal of latitude. If he wishes to put a final supplementary, let him please do so.
The Minister is aware that in Portugal and Spain, for example, they get 14 days' public holidays; in Ireland we get eight. In working hours we are at the top of the league and in public holidays at the bottom of the league. The Minister is not doing justice to the working class by refusing them an extra annual——
The Deputy is imparting information rather than seeking it.
Some of the days the Deputy mentioned do not coincide with my information. As I have said numerous times, I would like to be in a position, if unemployment were not so high and if we were not endeavouring to make industry more competitive, to do something about bank holidays. I have great sympathy and respect for all May Day, Labour Day, stands for. However, the stark reality which faces me as Minister for Labour is that on approximated costs it would cost £50 million to industry to make that day a bank holiday. That is the difficulty I have. The sheer cost is the only difficulty. Perhaps in the not too distant future if the economy continues to grow and expand and unemployment comes down I may be able to do something on the lines suggested. My first priority at this stage has to be to those who have no job. I have nothing whatever against the principle of May Day.
Can the Minister see the difference in principle between seeking to reduce the working week to 39 hours and giving a public holiday? Surely the questions of costs and benefits are similar in terms of the net effect. Surely the FIE as they now call themselves simply will not wear it. They do not want another public holiday. That is the obstacle. The ICTU want it and I am sure most Deputies in the House would support it but the FIE refuse it.
It is the cost to the State as well.
This is leading to argument now.