asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is yet in a position to state what action will be taken on the Report of the Departmental Committee on Workmen's Compensation; and whether in view of the hardship inflicted on seamen and others as a result of the absence of reciprocity with Great Britain in the matter of workmen's compensation, and the fact that the British Government has ratified the International Labour Convention providing for such reciprocity, he will recommend the ratification of the Convention by the Saorstát and the early adoption of detailed arrangements.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
Legislation is being prepared to give effect generally to the recommendations contained in the Committee's Report. Action has already been taken on one of its recommendations by the making of an Order under Section 12 of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, for the collection of statistics relating to compensation. The question of the ratification of the International Labour Convention relating to reciprocity in the matter of workmen's compensation, which was deferred pending the Committee's report, is again being examined, but it is doubtful whether until new legislation has been adopted effective reciprocity with Great Britain could be established on a satisfactory basis.
Is the Minister aware of the losses that are being occasioned to seamen particularly, who are resident in Ireland and who are working on British ships, because of the absence of any reciprocal arrangements?
I am quite clear as to the losses. That matter has been examined and has been debated in this House on, at least, three occasions, as well as in the public Press.
With that in view, would it be possible for the Minister to expedite the presentation of the Bill with the object of touching on that single point, even if no other?
I think the Deputy understands the position quite well. The mere presentation of the Bill would not ensure reciprocal arrangements; it would only make way for them. The matter would still depend on good-will being shown in regard to the treatment of seamen. The question of the Bill will be dealt with just as other legislation of this type is dealt with. It is a matter first of the draftsman's time and, secondly, of the time of the House.