Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

The last time a public holiday was granted in this country, it was decided between Labour and Fianna Fáil in the context of a partnership for Government. There was no partnership other than the two political parties involved. The Minister of State should not try to shove this onto the social partners in Dublin Castle. This is a political choice which the Government can make. It is fair enough if the Government wants to run it through the social partnership mechanisms.

In terms of work-life balance — before we resumed in formal session in the House the Minister of State testified about traffic problems — an eight-hour free holiday, to which this would amount, amounts to approximately two and a half traffic jams for commuting workers throughout the country. That is one contribution the Government could make on work-life balance. If we had two structured additional holidays over the next number of years, we would be able to enhance the quality of life not only for individual families but also for communities. Employers also live in communities. It may come as a surprise to the Minister of State but many employers also like to have time off.

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