asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to amend the Industrial Relations Act, 1946, to make provision for compulsory conciliation in the matter of labour disputes, and by so doing, make lightning strikes, unofficial strikes and lock-outs offences against the law.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Relations Act.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the possible serious interference with the supplies of necessary food and the operation of necessary services, such as gas, electricity and transport, caused by unofficial strikes by men, acting outside the direction of their trade unions, he will consider amending by appropriate legislation the Industrial Acts now in operation, so as to make all such unofficial strikes illegal as crimes against the community, and to make the authors of such strikes amenable in the courts.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take together Questions No. 7 and No. 8. There is no proposal under consideration by the Government for the amendment of the Industrial Relations Act on the lines suggested. I would refer the Deputies to my observations in this connection during the debates on the Bill.