asked the Minister for Labour if the Trade Union Bill 1966 will include proposals to substitute the words trade, business or undertaking for trade or business which appear in the definition of trade union in the principal Trade Union Acts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Union Bill.
25.
I have not considered the question of proposing an amendment of the definition of a trade union in the manner suggested by the Deputy. However, if the Deputy would indicate to me how the suggested amendment would clarify or improve the situation, I shall be prepared to consider the matter.
26.
asked the Minister for Labour if the Trade Union Bill, 1966 will include proposals to render sections 7 and 9 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, subject to the ordinary trade union law; and if he proposes to clarify the position of trade unions organising State employees under the Act of 1939 at the present time.
It is not intended that the Bill in question will deal with sections 7 and 9 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939. Consideration of the implications of those sections would be more appropriate in connection with a general review of trade union law.
Mr. O'Leary
Has the Minister any information as to when he proposes to bring the text of any of those Bills before the House?
I have suggestions and proposals from the various people concerned. There are areas of marked disagreement, which means I have to meet those people again and seek to have something to present to the House which would have fairly wide support, so it is not altogether in my hands at the moment.
Mr. O'Leary
Can I take it from the Minister's reply that in the discussions going on at the moment, he will seek honestly agreement with those sources before he brings the text of any Bills before the House?
I would hope to get fairly wide support for any legislation but, in areas where we cannot get agreement, the Deputy will appreciate that the Government will have to decide where the public interest lies and this House will then have to legislate.