asked the Minister for Labour when it is proposed to make the necessary statutory order to allow employees of the Office of Public Works to have matters in dispute concerning wages and conditions of employment submitted to the Labour Court for investigation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Board of Works Employees.
40.
Under the Industrial Relations Act, 1946, a person who is employed by or under the State has not got access to the Labour Court. This position can only be changed by legislation. As I indicated in my statement on the 28th February, 1967, on a motion by Deputies Corish and Tully, I intend to provide in the proposed amending legislation on Industrial Relations that State employees who do not come under the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration scheme should have access to the Labour Court.
When will this legislation come in?
I was hoping to have it this session. Now it will be next session.
Does the Minister appreciate that the longer it is put off, the longer these people will have to put up with unfair conditions, that at present there are a number of claims under consideration which cannot be finalised because Government Departments cannot be made to move, and there is no other way to force them except by going on strike? I am sure the Minister does not want that to happen.
There will have to be a change in the law and I intend that there will be.
Will it be given priority in the next session?
I hope so. It has been put off for many years. I am being pressed from a centre from which I was never pressed before.
Why does the Minister not get in and fight?
I am glad to see Labour Deputies fighting for this legislation.