asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to the speech made by Mr. James Cawley at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions' training course on 20th March, stressing the need for codification of the law as it applied to trade unions; and whether he has any comment to make on Mr. Cawley's statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Codification of Law Applying to Trade Unions.
53.
I have seen newspaper references to Mr. Cawley's speech. The position is that all legislation for which I am responsible is kept under review, and while there has been consultation from time to time with trade unions about trade union legislation I have no immediate proposals for the codification of the legislation. I am, of course, prepared to consider any proposals which the trade unions or any other interested party may make to me.
Having regard to some recent legal decision affecting long-established trade union practices which have now caused certain difficulties in the minds of trade unionists as to the extent of their rights, which were previously acknowledged, will the Minister consider taking the initiative in arranging a conference with trade unions so as to discuss the situation which has arisen in order to arrive at a codification of the law which will be acceptable on all sides?
I do not think that, in the circumstances, when the Irish Congress of Trade Unions are making a close examination as to the effect of the recent High Court decision, I ought to take the initiative at this stage.
Does the Minister agree that the situation now created should be examined and that the people should know what the law is?
Yes; that is desirable, and Congress have taken the appropriate action.
And the Minister will help in that?
Yes, if I can.