asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that some members of trade unions have been told that they must subscribe to the political funds of a trade union; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Union Political Funds.
41.
The position under the law is that a member of a trade union which has a political fund is entitled to exemption from contributing to the fund if he gives notice that he objects to paying such contribution. The law also prescribes that the rules of a trade union with a political fund must provide that a trade union member who is exempt from contributing to the fund shall not be put under any disadvantage or disability as compared with other members.
Is the Minister aware that when some members seek forms to opt out, they are told they are not available? Is this an offence? Will the Minister ensure that an adequate supply of forms is available?
Is it a fact that they are afraid to stand up and be counted? Is that what is wrong with them?
Forms are available—
What about the protection racket you are engaged in?
Do not talk about protection rackets.
Taca is only a protection racket.
The form set out in the 1913 Act is the only form of exemption notice. If a member of a union is unable to get a copy of a form opting out of a political fund, he can obtain a copy of the form at the office of the Registrar of Friendly Societies, Kildare Street, Dublin, 2.
The Minister mentioned the 1913 Act. Is he aware that the inclusion of that proviso to opt out of that Act was secured by Deputy Dowling's progenitor and monitor, William Martin Murphy? He was responsible for that provision. Further, is the Minister aware that so far as the workers of this city are concerned, the only people who have opted out, or tried to opt out, are Deputy Dowling and, on his own confession, Deputy Moore, for vested interest reasons, as two Taca supporters.
In relation to this question of opting out, I am anxious that the funds of unions would be protected, whether political levies or otherwise. I want to make sure that the necessary forms will be available.
They are available from the Registrar of Friendly Societies.
Is Taca a trade union?
Telling lies about it, too.
Through a fiddle you got hold of them—rigged meetings.
Where is your balance sheet? Where did you get your money? Show us your balance sheet.
Lies on the part of Fianna Fáil.
Trade unions had better protect their money and their funds.
Listen to the trade unionists—Boland and Moran—two noted trade unionists.
You were a great help to trade unions.
You are a noted trade unionists.
We know your record.
The public know your record in connection with trade unions.
At least we know what we get from the trade unions.
On a point of order, may I make it clear that Deputy Dunne did not do anything with trade union funds. For those who do not understand, he did not do anything and anyone who says he did is a liar.
Who said anything about Deputy Dunne?
You did.
I did not.
And so did your friend there.
Does the Minister intend to take any action in respect of discrimination against State or semi-State bodies as regards employment for non-members and non-supporters of Fianna Fáil?
I am not aware——
You are about the only one in the country who is not aware.
He is not aware of it.
There is a form of discrimination into which you could usefully inquire.
I can tell you every penny we get from the workers.
With regard to money that has been stolen from them.
What do you call Taca money? Is it not being got through intimidation?
The majority of the trade unions vote for us and always have.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 42.
They know where their interests lie.
Will Deputies allow questions to continue? Question No. 42.
42.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will consider introducing legislation to provide that a worker will not have to take the step of formally opting out if he or she does not wish to subscribe to a trade union's political fund.
I would not consider proposals for changing the law on this matter unless I had evidence that the existing law was failing to give adequate protection to a trade union member who did not wish to subscribe to a union's political fund.
If the Minister has not already got proof that there is blackmail, I will give him the necessary proof.
Tell the House about it.
Deserter. You are a disappointed trade union official. You never got a job because the workers would not have you. The workers would not employ you.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 43.