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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 2

Written Answers. - Millennium Work.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

28 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, she has to provide guidelines for agreements on pay and conditions for millennium work between 31 December 1999 to 1 January 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22002/99]

The 31 December 1999 will be a special public holiday in Ireland, in recognition of the uniqueness of the millennium celebrations in all of our lifetimes. There are, however, sectors where it may be necessary for employees to attend work on 31 December.

Workers have minimum statutory rights and entitlements under the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, in relation to work on public holidays and these must be fully respected. It is of particular importance, in relation to the occasion in question, that attention should be paid to such matters as maximum hours of work, hours of rest, and night work. Furthermore, the protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996 prohibits the employment of 16-17 year olds beyond 10 p.m. as a matter of health and safety.

In the normal course of industrial relations, arrangements for work on occasions such as the New Years Eve holiday are matters to be addressed through negotiation between employers and employees involved, or their representatives.

I do not consider it appropriate for me to provide detailed guidelines for agreements on pay and conditions for millennium work, other than to encourage the parties concerned to work together in ensuring that 31 December will be a good occasion for everybody.

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