Bernard Allen
Ceist:25 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has for new initiatives to deal with the problem of excessive or late working hours by school-going pupils which is disrupting their learning. [16161/00]
Written Answers. - Working Hours.
The Deputy will be aware that the regulation of the employment of young people falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996, allows a young person of 15 years or older to work up to eight hours per week during the school year subject to the stipulation that such employment finishes no later than 8 p.m. During holiday time 14 and 15 year olds can work up to 35 hours per week providing their employment finishes no later than 8 p.m. This legislation is monitored by the inspectorate of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
In a buoyant economy the temptation for young people to concentrate on employment to the detriment of their studies inevitably increases and parents, schools and my Department all have a role to play in countering this. Clearly the influence of parents is paramount in providing the best and most supportive environment for their children.
It is also very important that we support schools in ensuring that their pupils remain within the system to completion of senior cycle. In this context, I refer the Deputy to my recent announcement regarding the expansion of the stay-in-school initiative. This major initiative has, as its focus, those students who are at risk of dropping out of school, including those for whom part-time or temporary employment is a very real attraction. Following this recent expansion, this initiative will embrace 116 schools nationwide and I am confident that, over time, it will make a real impact on this problem.