Vol. 482 No. 5
71 Mr. Bell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the new initiatives, if any, she has introduced through her Department since coming into office to encourage and promote the advantages of job sharing in the public and private sectors. [18356/97]
It is generally accepted that worksharing offers a number of advantages for society and the economy through job creation, greater workplace flexibility and more equitable distribution of work. I would, therefore, strongly encourage all parties to give more attention to the introduction of worksharing taking account of the particular needs/requirements of companies/sectors.
In January 1997 a package of measures, intended to facilitate greater worksharing in the public service, was announced. The practical application of these measures is a matter to be discussed and worked out with the appropriate trade unions for each of the various public service organisations. As regards the Civil Service, discussions are at present taking place between the Department of Finance and the civil service unions on the implementation of these measures which will build on the schemes already in place.
Worksharing in the private sector is first and foremost a matter for that sector. The models developed in the public service provide an example of what can be achieved and I would urge the social partners to renew their efforts to conclude a framework agreement on this issue.
