asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will take steps to have duly qualified masons and carpenters admitted to the masons' and carpenters' unions in view of the fact that the building programme of this country is being retarded through the inability of masons and carpenters to obtain entrance to the above unions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Admission to Unions.
The policy of trade unions with regard to the admission of members and the restrictions maintained by some trade unions are matters on which there is a considerable divergence of viewpoint. I have no powers to take action on the lines suggested by the Deputy. There is no conclusive evidence that the building programme is being held up by a shortage of skilled labour, but if this should be forthcoming I would be prepared to discuss the matter with the parties concerned.
Is the Minister aware that it was the policy of his predecessor, and his own policy too, to invite skilled workmen to return to this country; that some of those who have returned and who are members of English trade unions have been unable to obtain employment in this country, simply because they cannot gain admission to the unions here? In view of that fact, will the Minister compel these unions to admit these men?
If any case of that kind is brought before me, I will discuss it with the representative of the union concerned, but any proposal that the Government should take power to compel would be so highly controversial that I would not do so.
Perhaps the Minister can persuade?
I will undertake to discuss anything of that nature which comes to my notice.