asked the Minister for Labour when it is intended to introduce amending legislation to curb the incidence of overtime in Ireland.

19.

asked the Minister for Labour his attitude to the European Council Resolution of the recent European Council meeting of the intention to restrict overtime by statutory intervention.

20.

asked the Minister for Labour the action he is contemplating to limit overtime working and if he will make a statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 19 and 20 together.

The White Paper, Programme for National Development, 1978-1981, indicates the Government's intention to reduce the present statutory limits on working hours and to consult with employers and trade unions on appropriate changes to which legislative effect will be given in 1979. This intention is also included in the proposals for a national understanding for economic and social development. Subject, therefore, to further developments on the proposed national understanding, I intend, after consultation with employers and trade unions, to introduce legislation this year to reduce the statutory limits on adult working hours and overtime which have remained unchanged since the 1930s.

The European Council on 12 and 13 March 1979 did not adopt any formal resolution in this matter. In its conclusions it instructed the Council to study certain measures to improve the employment situation, including the limitation of the systematic use of overtime.

What is the proposed reduction in the statutory working hours? When can we expect the legislation?

As I said in the reply, I would hope to introduce legislation later this year. The Deputy will appreciate that at this stage the details of the legislation cannot be supplied to him. I will be discussing the measures to be taken and the possibilities in dealing with that legislation with both sides of industry and I will inform the House in good time.

May I take it from the Minister's reply that, when he says he will reduce by law the amount of overtime worked, it is the maximum amount he means and that he has no intention of legislating totally against overtime?

I said I would reduce the limit, which has been unchanged since the 1930's.

It is not as if any workers are in love with overtime but that they are forced, because of the rise in the cost of living, to depend on overtime even though a great deal of the money earned through overtime goes to the tax man. This must be borne in mind in any legislation in relation to this matter. The Minister is dealing with people who are forced to work overtime.

Before the Deputy arrived I said I would have discussions with both sides.

Will the Minister merely consult or will he introduce legislation that has been agreed upon by the employers and the trade unions?

I said I would be having consultations with both sides of industry. The normal thing is, as the Deputy knows well, that one obviously has to take into consideration the views of both sides. It is unlikely that in any legislation there is complete agreement or unanimity.

But will the Minister seek agreement?

Yes.

Is this part of the work sharing that the Minister for Economic Planning and Development was talking about?

These are irrelevant questions.

Would the Minister consider this as part of work sharing?

This is one of the items in the work sharing area presently under discussion in the European scene. Naturally systematic overtime is one of the items being discussed.

Can the Minister assure us that it will not mean income sharing for the low paid worker?

I have answered that question adequately already.