THE minimum age for full time employment will be raised from IS to 16 years under a new Bill published by the Minister of State for Labour Affairs, Ms Eithne Fitzgerald.
"Raising the minimum working age to 16 brings it into line with the school leaving age and reinforces the strong message that it is important to stay at school and gain qualifications," Ms Fitzgerald said.
"It is designed to ensure that, for young people, school comes first".
The proposed legislation also bans night work for young people under 15s will not be allowed to work after 8 p.m. and those aged 16 to 18 cannot work after 10 p.m. Work during school term will be limited to eight hours a week, and 35 during holidays.
Young people will be given a new legal right of redress against employers who penalise them for not working more hours.