Michael McDowell
Ceist:15 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the progress, if any, he has made to date with the Social Partners in establishing a national voluntary scheme of work sharing.
Written Answers. - Work Sharing.
The Government gave a commitment in its Programme for Government to examine the possibility of introducing a national voluntary scheme of work sharing. My Department is now preparing a discussion paper on the options which are available, as a basis for early discussions with the Social Partners. It is the Government's view that work sharing arrangements are best organised at enterprise level, facilitated where possible by institutional support. However, I will consider any proposals which emerge from the discussions.
One of the possible ways in which available work can be shared better is through a reduction in overtime working. My Department has already held discussions with employers and workers representatives on this issue and is in the process of commissioning research into the subject.
I should like to take this opportunity to say that any form of work sharing involves income sharing and that whatever strategies for work sharing may be decided upon, it is essential that there is no increase in costs leading to loss of competitiveness.