Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
109. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made in removing the blanket exclusion of members of the Defence Forces from the protections of the Working Time Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36912/24]
View answerI am pleased to advise that progress continues to be made following my approval earlier this year of the final management position on the implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces.
Formal engagement between my officials and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment who are responsible for developing the appropriate legislative mechanism to remove the blanket exemption in the Organisation of Working Time Act, is well advanced.
Work is also underway to formulise the health and safety protections agreed for those activities deemed to be outside the scope of the Directive, due to their nature. In addition, work is in train on the procurement of a long-term electronic Time and Attendance solution which will be a critical enabler in taking forward the implementation of the Directive.
The implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces is correctly seen as an important retention measure and will ensure that health and safety protections as prescribed in the Directive, are afforded to serving personnel.
