Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 May 1991

Vol. 409 No. 1

Written Answers. - Local Election Candidates.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

74 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Labour the current position regarding employees who wish to stand in the forthcoming local elections and require time off from their work place; if he will consider appropriate legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern)

A great variety of arrangements currently exist in the public sector in relation to employees who are elected to local authorities. Civil servants above clerical grades are required to resign on standing for election to a local authority. Virtually all employees in semi-State bodies are free to engage in political activities including standing for election to and sitting on local authorities. In all other areas, the arrangements are based on custom and practice, but generally public servants are granted leave of absence on election to local authorities. In most other areas, employees are granted unpaid leave of absence.

There are no legislative requirements in relation to this matter for private sector employment. Normally, employers and employees, on the basis of good sense within the employment relationship, work out mutually suitable arrangements to allow for any time off needed by the employee in connection with candidature for or membership of the local authority. In general, the matter raised by the Deputy does not appear to cause a widespread problem and would not warrant legislation. Members of local authorities have been drawn from a great variety of employments and the absence of legislative provisions in this area does not appear to have impeded individuals from coming forward for election.