Vol. 566 No. 2
26 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures she intends to introduce with regard to the recommendations included in the 2002 Irish labour market review to encourage a greater commitment from employers to flexible, family-friendly working arrangements. [12370/03]
The Irish Labour Market Review 2002 was produced by FÁS at the request of the Tánaiste. It provides information and analysis about the labour market and points towards desirable labour market policies for the future. The review contains recommendations on measures to expand the supply of labour one of which states that: "a greater commitment to flexible, family-friendly working arrangements, such as part-time work and teleworking, combined with adequate child care provision, are needed if female participation rates are to rise over the medium term."
I believe that the development of family-friendly policies is best addressed on two fronts. First, through the work of the National Framework Committee, allied to a partnership approach in the workplace between employers, employees and trade unions. Second, through appropriate legislative measures. There are, of course, various family-friendly statutory entitlements including maternity leave, adoptive leave, carer's leave and parental leave.
In order to support and facilitate family-friendly policies in the workplace, the National Framework Committee for the Development of Family-Friendly Policies at the Level of the Enterprise, was established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The committee comprises representatives of ICTU, IBEC, public sector employers, the Equality Authority, a number of Departments, and is chaired by my Department. The social partners recently agreed that the work of the national framework committee should continue under the latest national agreement, Sustaining Progress.
The challenge is to establish family-friendly policies that reflect the reality of the workplace and meet the many diverse needs of employees. Family-friendly working arrangements are in the interests of employers and employees because they contribute to the needs of the business as well as meeting the needs of employees with family responsibilities.
For employers the benefits include: retention of skilled staff; reduced absenteeism; improved productivity; a more highly motivated workforce and also helping employers to be seen as an "employer of choice". Employees on the other hand benefit through having greater opportunities to better balance their working and family lives; greater equality of opportunity between men and women; and a fairer sharing of family responsibilities between men and women. A partnership approach in the workplace is the best way in which this issue should be addressed, in order to achieve tailor made solutions to the benefit of the workforce and the employer.
