Frank Crowley
Ceist:6 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Labour if he has any plans to protect the position of agency workers and to improve the supervision and control of employment agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Agencies.
The Deputy will be aware of the Government's commitment under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress to review the position of agency workers and the Employment Agency Act, 1971. Action in relation to the review of the position of agency workers under labour law has already commenced and preliminary consultations with both sides of industry are taking place. It is intended that the work will be completed during the currency of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.
The main purpose of the 1971 Employment Agency Act was to enable the Department of Labour to control and regulate employment agencies so as to avoid exploitation of the job-seeking public. The Act also sought to restrict the advertising of vacancies outside the State and to make particular provision for agencies seeking persons under 18 years of age for employment outside the State. The 20 year period since 1971 has seen dramatic changes in technological development, in communication, in transport and in the operation of the labour market.
As a result, the Department of Labour have undertaken a major review of the legislation affecting employment agencies. Proposals to amend the 1971 Act, the regulations and their administration are being examined with a view to promoting amending legislation as soon as possible. Consultations with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and relevant professional organisations have taken place and further consultations are planned.
I am glad that the Minister referred to the commitment contained in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress. He once again said that during the lifetime of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress the situation of workers would be examined. I ask whether something will be done about the position of agency workers during the lifetime of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress. Would the Tánaiste not agree that it is very unfair that agency workers operate in conditions that offer no protection and that it is women who are generally employed as agency workers? Would he give an assurance that positive action, in the form of legislation or otherwise, will be taken to give agency workers the protection enjoyed by other workers?
I gather from the briefing that that is the intention. I do know that as a result of a court case agency workers were practically left in limbo with regard to legal protection. That matter is being examined and will be seen to.