asked the Minister for Labour the number of recommendations issued by the Labour Court in respect of disputes which were referred to it during the first nine months of 1967; and how many of these recommendations were accepted by the parties concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Labour Court.
36.
The Labour Court issued 71 recommendations in respect of disputes which were referred to it during the first nine months of 1967. Sixty of these were accepted by the employers concerned; 39 by the workers concerned, and 37 were accepted by both employers and workers. In the case of ten of these 71 recommendations the Labour Court has not been informed whether they were accepted by the employers, and in the case of 11 whether they were accepted by the workers.
In the absence of an indication as to whether some recommendations were accepted, can the Minister tell us has his Department set out to ascertain if they have been accepted by the employers or the workers concerned? Surely that is the obvious thing to do?
If the Deputy wishes, I will make inquiries.
(Interruptions.)
The Minister is busy attacking the workers.
As I said, if the Deputy likes, I will make inquiries.
The Minister is at a loss. He does not know the number of people who have not indicated whether they accepted these recommendations. The fact remains that the Labour Court were interested in this matter. Surely it behoves the Labour Court to pursue the matter with a view to ensuring that peace is maintained?
37.
asked the Minister for Labour the number of cases which were referred to the Labour Court for arbitration during the past 12 months.
One case was referred to the Labour Court for arbitration during the past 12 months. In another case the parties agreed to the Court's suggestion that the matter be referred to an arbitrator appointed by the Court.
38.
asked the Minister for Labour the number of disputes which were settled at Labour Court conciliation conference level from the 1st January, 1967, to 30th September, 1967.
Two hundred and thirty disputes were settled at Labour Court conciliation conference level from 1st January, 1967, to 30th September, 1967.
In 14 other cases it is not yet possible to say whether the settlements proposed at conciliation conferences have been accepted by both sides.
When the Minister gives these figures, am I to take it that means over 244 cases were referred to the conciliation machinery of the Labour Court? The Minister mentioned 14.
That is 14 cases other than the 230. In those cases it is not yet possible to say whether the settlements proposed have been accepted by both sides. They have not come to a final decision.
Are they recent cases?
I have not got particulars of the individual cases. If the Deputy puts down another question I will get that information.
I am asking these questions in the interests of industrial peace.
I am not immediately involved in the day to day work of the Labour Court.
I appreciate that.
I will pass on the information that some Members of the House hold the view that the Labour Court should follow up these cases.