Vol. 263 No. 2
asked the Minister for Labour if he has examined proposals for a common European law which will give workers a place on company boards; whether he is in contact with the trade unions, and, if so, with what results; and when he hopes to have definite proposals in this matter.
132.
asked the Minister for Labour whether it is proposed to introduce legislation providing for the establishment of a works council in industrial enterprises.
133.
asked the Minister for Labour whether it is now proposed to issue a White Paper on worker participation in industry having regard to the recent announcement by the European Community in relation to worker representation on the boards of enterprises.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 129, 132 and 133 together.
I am at present examining the various proposals from the EEC in regard to worker participation. I shall have regard to the views of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and of the Federated Union of Employers in my consideration of this whole matter.
As Deputies are no doubt aware, the Employer/Labour Conference have established a sub-committee to consider the question of worker participation.
Can the Minister state if the proposals from the EEC will relate only to international companies within the EEC or will they relate also to domestic companies?
I do not see how they could relate to one and not to the other. One could hardly have only one set of companies working the scheme.
Can the Minister state at what stage are the proposals? Have they reached the stage of being draft directives?
They are not mandatory, as the Deputy knows.
Is it the case that nothing has been agreed?
Nothing has been agreed.
Can the Minister state if there will be some agreement in the next 12 months?
It is speculation on my part but I would say it is likely.
Can the Minister state if he would favour worker participation?
My attitude to worker participation has been stated before in this House. I am prepared to see it come about by the normal evolution in agreement between employers and employees in individual firms. There is nothing to stop firms having such participation at the moment if they want it.
