Vol. 433 No. 1
154 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will make a statement on the level of absenteeism in Irish industry for each of the past three years; the Government's proposal to encourage further incentives in the work participation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There are no official statistics on the level of absenteeism. However, there have been a number of studies and reports on the subject including one undertaken recently by IBEC in an attempt to quantify the level of absenteeism generally. These are outlined in the following table. Absenteeism rates are difficult to assess and compare due to the existence of different definitions of the term. Nevertheless, the various surveys make it clear that there is no room for complacency.
Absenteeism is a cause of concern due to its detrimental effects in terms of increased costs and reduced productivity and competitiveness. The control of absenteeism is an essential element in managing an enterprise and is the primary responsibility of the management at each workplace. Experience has shown that enterprises which have adopted specific absence control policies, including the keeping of records, have been successful in reducing absenteeism. I would accordingly, urge all enterprises to adopt appropriate measures to address the issue.
Fostering greater commitment by employees to the enterprise also plays its part in improving attendance and, in this regard, I have always encouraged greater involvement by employees in the affairs of the company. The Government is committed to this process and this is underlined in the Programme for Government. The FIE/ICTU Joint Declaration on Employee Involvement in the Private Sector provides a framework within which arrangements for consultation with and involvement of employees might be encouraged. The document emphasises that the involvement of employees assists in the development of the enterprise and increases motivation and job satisfaction.
Studies and Reports on Absenteeism
|
1975 |
Absenteeism in Irish Industry C. O'Muircheartaigh |
IPC research |
|
1977 |
Absenteeism in Ireland — A Short Study (CMO Aer Lingus) |
Paper read at IPM Conference |
|
1980 |
Absenteeism Conference (FUE) |
FUE study |
|
1981 |
Preventing Absenteeism B. Kelly (IPC) |
Booklet aimed at prevention |
|
1982 |
Short-term Absenteeism |
Departmental Working Group |
|
1984 |
Survey of Employee- Industrial Relations in Irish Private Sector Manufacturing Industry (IDA) |
IDA-sponsored research |
|
1984 |
Report of Ministerial Task Force on Absenteeism in Industry |
Department of Industry and Commerce |
|
1986 |
Report to the Steering Committee Employer-Labour Conference |
ELC Report |
|
1986 |
Absenteeism in the Public Service E. Blennerhasset and P. Gorman (IPA) |
Commissioned by Department of the Public Service |
|
1986 |
Absenteeism: the missing facts G. Redmond (IMI) |
Report of IMI-funded Absenteeism Control Programme |
|
1993 |
Ireland's Missing Workforce — A report on absenteeism in Ireland in 1992 |
IBEC Report |
