Trade unions call for limit to Dáil hours until all staff have had Covid vaccine

Forsá and the AHCPS wrote to the Oireachtas last Wednesday to express concern about plans to increase the number of sitting days and hours.

The Dáil sits three days a week in the Dublin Convention Centre, often until late, having sat for a limited number of hours two days a week during lockdown.

In a letter to Oireachtas assistant secretary Michael Errity last week, the two unions said the additional hours meant staff now work a 37-hour week over three days.

“Both Fórsa and the AHCPS have concerns that as the vaccine roll-out continues for older age groups there will be a further demand to increase activity in the Houses.

“Until such time as all staff have been offered vaccination, it is our position that business and hours should remain limited.”

A spokesperson for the Houses of the Oireachtas said: “That letter forms part of the ongoing engagement with unions and is discussed and considered on a regular basis at both the Business Committee and Departmental Council.”

Meanwhile, Fine Gael’s parliamentary party has backed a motion from former minister Michael Ring calling on the Dáil to return to Leinster House after nearly a year sitting in the convention centre.