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Dáil Éireann - Volume 311 - 21 February, 1979 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Relations. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell 2. Mr. Mitchell asked the Minister for Labour the steps he has taken in the past six months to improve the country's industrial relations problems. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell 3. Mr. Mitchell asked the Minister for Labour the industrial relations matters he is reviewing with a view to action, as distinct from those matters referred to in the Commission on Industrial Relations. Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together. On many occasions since my appointment as Minister for Labour I have advocated publicly in the House and elsewhere, and privately in discussions with employer and trade union interests, that the procedures available for promoting good industrial relations and for preventing and settling disputes be utilised to the full, that communications and consultations between employer and employee be reviewed and improved, where possible, and that efforts be directed towards promoting a better working environment. I might mention also that my Department have already made a comprehensive submission to the Commission of Inquiry on Industrial Relations concerning many aspects of industrial relations. In addition to supporting this approach to industrial relations, I have had under constant review the facilities provided by the State, with a view to effecting any improvements which would attract the support of both sides of industry. As part of this ongoing review I have initiated moves to set up a fourth division of the Labour Court so as to enable that body to provide an even more speedy and flexible response to the increasing demands being imposed upon it. 1663 [1663] I am also contemplating the appointment of additional rights commissioners. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: Is the Minister aware that there is a general impression abroad that he is sitting on his backside and doing nothing about the apparent chaos in industrial relations? Would he like to comment on that? An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: That is not a relevant question. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: The Minister has done nothing to allay the fears of many people—— An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy knows that it is not a supplementary question that is acceptable. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: I am asking the Minister which specific matters he is reviewing with a view to action to improve industrial relations. Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald: I have given the Deputy some of the positive steps I am taking, but I will also indicate to him, and he should be well aware of it from his experience, that in industrial relations the principal participants, the people involved on both sides, should be using the agreed procedures, and they can be up-dated and replaced if necessary under the institutions set up by Acts of the Oireachtas. They are the things I am strengthening. The submission by my Department to the Commission on Industrial Relations is a very comprehensive and worthwhile one. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: I have asked the Minister for the specific matters he is considering in an attempt to bring order to the industrial relations chaos as distinct from the situation that obtained for many years. What is the Minister doing today and what will he do tomorrow to solve this problem? Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald 1664 Mr. G. Fitzgerald: As I have pointed out to the Deputy so many times, this problem existed long before I took office. During my time I have taken positive steps to improve industrial relations. [1664] I am continuing and will continue to strengthen the institutions established by the State which have served us well in the industrial relations field. An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: Question No. 4. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: This is important. An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: It may be important but I have decided we have had enough argument. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: The difference between now and when the Minister was in opposition is that there is a less strident Opposition on the question of industrial relations. I am inviting the Minister to tell me—— An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: I have called Question No. 4. The Deputy is making a statement, which is not permitted. Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald: I was amused to hear the Deputy referring to the weakness of the Opposition. That has never been so apparent as it is now. In other words, there is a weak one. I will say to the Deputy that in the field of industrial relations there is need for co-operation, using the procedures laid down to improve the services. That is what I am doing and will continue to do in co-operation with the employer and trade union interests. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: The Minister referred to earlier days—— An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: I have called No. 4. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: Is the Minister contemplating any amendment—— An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: Did the Deputy hear the Chair? Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: I did. Is the Minister proposing any change in legislation? An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: Question No. 4. Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald 1665 Mr. G. Fitzgerald: I have answered [1665] the question so often but none of the Deputy's questions is relevant or substantive. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: Is the Minister referring the matter to the Taoiseach? Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald: I have never heard one constructive comment from the Deputy, only destructive criticism all the time. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: I have asked the Minister to seek co-operation—— Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald Mr. G. Fitzgerald: Constantly the Deputy has been trying to make political argument, political play, out of the sensitive area of industrial relations. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: I have been asking the Minister to come up with new legislation, with a new framework—— An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: I have called No. 4 several times. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: I know. You have been very tolerant but does the Minister intend to do anything about our industrial relations chaos? An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: Will the Deputy please resume his seat. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: I am entitled to ask the Minister if he is doing anything and I am entitled to get a satisfactory answer. An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: If the Deputy does not resume his seat he will leave the House. Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: I want to know—— An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: Will the Deputy resume his seat? Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: I will, while you are standing. It appears to the country that the Minister is on strike. An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle: Will the Deputy resume his seat? Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mitchell: The House will not mind if the Minister seeks publicity. An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan 1666 [1666] An Ceann Comhairle: I have been more than tolerant with the Deputy. Question No. 4. Dáil Éireann 311 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Industrial Relations. Questions 19790221
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