asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it was represented to his Department that the parties to the dispute between the Irish Women Workers' Union and Messrs. Alex Mitchel & Co., rosary bead manufacturers, Waterford Street, Dublin, would welcome the setting up of a court of inquiry under the Industrial Courts Act, 1919, to determine the issue involved in the dispute, and, if so, whether he is prepared in these circumstances to set up a court of inquiry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Dispute.
The Deputy may not be aware that, in an effort to settle this dispute, my Department has already held a joint conference between representatives of the Irish Women Workers' Union and of Messrs. Alex Mitchel & Co. Unfortunately, the conference did not result in agreement. To set up a court of inquiry under the powers contained in Part II of the Industrial Courts Act, 1919, would be a costly and cumbersome procedure. Part II of the Act is normally used in connection with a trade dispute of such magnitude as would justify that procedure. In an ordinary trade dispute between one firm and its employees, it is, clearly, preferable to use Part I of the Act. I would be prepared, in accordance with the terms of Part I of the Industrial Courts Act, 1919, to refer this dispute for settlement by arbitration and, in accordance with the Act, appoint an independent arbitrator to decide the matters in issue.
Has the Minister given any consideration to the setting up of an industrial court regarding the settlement of all kinds of industrial disputes?
That is a much wider question.