Dáil Éireann - Volume 280 - 08 May, 1975

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Holiday Declaration.

Mr. Davern Mr. Davern

59. Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Labour if any progress has been made in declaring 1st May a national holiday; and, if so, the present position in the matter.

Mr. M. O'Leary Mr. M. O'Leary

Mr. M. O'Leary: As I indicated when taking the Second Stage of the Holidays (Employees) Bill in October, 1973, I feel that a phased approach is necessary in increasing the number of public holidays which we have here in Ireland to bring us closer to the European norm.

With that end in mind, I added an extra public holiday on 1st January giving us at present a total of seven.

1563

In deciding the next public holiday, it is my intention to add the holiday [1563] in question to a weekend to give maximum advantage to workers. In this connection, 1st May would not in my opinion give that maximum advantage.

Dáil Éireann 280 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. National Holiday Declaration.

Questions

19750508