Vol. 396 No. 5
64 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to the rules which prevent the merging of an Irish union with an English union in a proposed merger (details supplied) whether he has given consideration to changing these rules in view of EC practices in relation to freedom of establishment of all member states.
The procedures to be followed by trade unions in order to bring about an amalgamation or transfer of engagements are laid down in the Trade Union Act, 1975.
Under the Act, the Registrar of Friendly Societies who operates in an independent capacity has responsibility for the approval of all trade union mergers and the question as to whether an Irish trade union can amalgamate with or transfer engagements under the 1975 Act to a union from outside the State is a matter for the registrar.
As regards the general question of trade unions from outside the State, such unions are free to operate here provided they fulfil the conditions for obtaining a negotiation licence.
