asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the considerable concern felt in the trade union movement owing to the limitations upon the organising scope and capacity of trade unions as implied by the Supreme Court's decision in 1961; and if he will now take speedy steps to enact legislation which will ensure the protection of the right of trade unions to organise workers as previously guaranteed by the terms of the Traders Dispute Act, 1906.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rights of Trade Unions.
47.
I am aware that the trade union movement considers that the decision of the Supreme Court referred to by the Deputy places limitations on the organising scope and capacity of trade unions.
The position arising as a result of that decision is one of the matters which I am considering in my general review of industrial relations and trade union law.
How long has this matter been considered by the Minister and his predecessors?
This was the subject of separate inquiry until it became clear there would be a full review of trade union law.
When will this full review be completed?
It is on at the moment. I hope to introduce legislation before the end of this session.
The sooner we get the legislation and see what is in it, the better, instead of all these speeches from the Taoiseach and his Ministers.
I think a Minister has as much right to make a speech as anybody else.
Of course, he has.