Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 3

Written Answers. - An Post Job-Sharing.

Seamus Brennan

Ceist:

405 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if An Post is under an obligation to follow Government policy and introduce job sharing to its employees in view of the Government's specific commitment in the Programme, A Government of Renewal to remove any administrative tax or welfare obstacles to job sharing; and when this is likely to happen. [6163/96]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

There is at present no obligation compelling employers to introduce job sharing arrangements for employees.

I understand, however, that An Post already operates job-sharing and has recently tabled proposals for discussion with the principal union which would widen that availability of arrangements to facilitate employees who wish to work reduced hours. The company is disposed to consider requests for any such facilities from individual employees, on their merits, having regard to the degree of need of the employee concerned and to it being possible to make satisfactory arrangements in agreement with the employee and others concerned to cater for the work without additional cost or detriment to the quality of work performance/service provision.