Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

Perhaps it shows that the social partners are out of touch with the people they represent. Are they aware that recent European reports show that we rank among the lowest in Europe in terms of days off per year, despite working above average weekly hours. Is the Minister aware of the new International Labour Organisation figures that show that Irish workers are among the most productive and that we are second in terms of productivity based on total hours worked and fifth in terms of productivity per hour? These figures reinforce the case for the introduction of two additional public holidays as proposed by the Labour Party. Those matters are addressed.

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