Vol. 473 No. 5
35 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the consultations and submissions she has sought on students attending secondary school or college with regard to participation in the work force on a temporary, casual or part-time basis; her understanding of the current situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1612/97]
It is not clear from the Deputy's question whether he has a specific issue which he wishes to have addressed in regard to the participation of pupils/ students in the workforce. The Deputy will be aware that the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1995, which came into force this month sets out the principal conditions governing the participation of young persons under 18 years in the workforce.
The Government decided in the context of the White Paper "Charting our Education Future" to raise the school leaving age from 15 to 16 years or the completion of three years of junior cycle education, which ever is later. In line with this the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996, raises the minimum legal working age from 15 to 16 and lays down rules governing work hours, rest breaks and the duties of employers. My Department was consulted in the process leading to the preparation of this Act.
