asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider associating with the newly-established section in his Department, dealing with preparations for the European Economic Community, representatives of industry and of the trade unions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Preparation Branch.
40.
It is my intention that the new branch established in my Department to assist industry in its preparation for the European Economic Community should keep in close touch at all stages with representatives of industry and of trade unions. When I announced recently that the branch had been set up, I said that it would co-operate with industry in every way and, particularly, with the adaptation councils which it is hoped to foster in all branches of industry. The Committee on Industrial Organisation in its third interim report recommended that in each industry where an adaptation council is established, a standing advisory body should be established by the trade unions representing workers in the industry and that this body should be consulted by the council on matters affecting the interests of workers. These arrangements will enable the new branch of my Department to keep in very close touch with the interests concerned.