Michael Ring
Ceist:60 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, the Government has to introduce legislation bringing job sharing into the private sector; and, if so, when. [14318/99]
Written Answers. - Job Sharing.
David Stanton
Ceist:66 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent of job sharing in the State; the initiatives, if any, she plans to introduce in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14573/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 66 together.
While there is no specific information on the extent of worksharing in Ireland, worksharing offers a number of advantages for society and the economy through job creation, greater workplace flexibility and more equitable distribution of work. Worksharing is a well established facet of the public sector. Worksharing in the private sector is, of course, first and foremost a matter to be advanced by the parties concerned. I have no immediate plans to introduce legislation on this issue.
On the wider issue of atypical work, the EU Council has adopted a directive concerning a framework agreement on part-time work which must be implemented in all member states by January, 2000. The purpose of the directive is to prevent part-time workers from being treated less favourably than full-time workers, to provide for the removal of discrimination against part-time workers and to improve the quality of part-time work.