asked the Minister for Labour the steps he has taken in the past six months to improve the country's industrial relations problems.
3.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Relations.
2.
asked the Minister for Labour the industrial relations matters he is reviewing with a view to action, as distinct from those matters referred to in the Commission on Industrial Relations.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
On many occasions since my appointment as Minister for Labour I have advocated publicly in the House and elsewhere, and privately in discussions with employer and trade union interests, that the procedures available for promoting good industrial relations and for preventing and settling disputes be utilised to the full, that communications and consultations between employer and employee be reviewed and improved, where possible, and that efforts be directed towards promoting a better working environment. I might mention also that my Department have already made a comprehensive submission to the Commission of Inquiry on Industrial Relations concerning many aspects of industrial relations. In addition to supporting this approach to industrial relations, I have had under constant review the facilities provided by the State, with a view to effecting any improvements which would attract the support of both sides of industry. As part of this ongoing review I have initiated moves to set up a fourth division of the Labour Court so as to enable that body to provide an even more speedy and flexible response to the increasing demands being imposed upon it.
I am also contemplating the appointment of additional rights commissioners.
Is the Minister aware that there is a general impression abroad that he is sitting on his backside and doing nothing about the apparent chaos in industrial relations? Would he like to comment on that?
That is not a relevant question.
The Minister has done nothing to allay the fears of many people——
The Deputy knows that it is not a supplementary question that is acceptable.
I am asking the Minister which specific matters he is reviewing with a view to action to improve industrial relations.
I have given the Deputy some of the positive steps I am taking, but I will also indicate to him, and he should be well aware of it from his experience, that in industrial relations the principal participants, the people involved on both sides, should be using the agreed procedures, and they can be up-dated and replaced if necessary under the institutions set up by Acts of the Oireachtas. They are the things I am strengthening. The submission by my Department to the Commission on Industrial Relations is a very comprehensive and worthwhile one.
I have asked the Minister for the specific matters he is considering in an attempt to bring order to the industrial relations chaos as distinct from the situation that obtained for many years. What is the Minister doing today and what will he do tomorrow to solve this problem?
As I have pointed out to the Deputy so many times, this problem existed long before I took office. During my time I have taken positive steps to improve industrial relations. I am continuing and will continue to strengthen the institutions established by the State which have served us well in the industrial relations field.
Question No. 4.
This is important.
It may be important but I have decided we have had enough argument.
The difference between now and when the Minister was in opposition is that there is a less strident Opposition on the question of industrial relations. I am inviting the Minister to tell me——
I have called Question No. 4. The Deputy is making a statement, which is not permitted.
I was amused to hear the Deputy referring to the weakness of the Opposition. That has never been so apparent as it is now. In other words, there is a weak one. I will say to the Deputy that in the field of industrial relations there is need for co-operation, using the procedures laid down to improve the services. That is what I am doing and will continue to do in co-operation with the employer and trade union interests.
The Minister referred to earlier days——
I have called No. 4.
Is the Minister contemplating any amendment——
Did the Deputy hear the Chair?
I did. Is the Minister proposing any change in legislation?
Question No. 4.
I have answered the question so often but none of the Deputy's questions is relevant or substantive.
Is the Minister referring the matter to the Taoiseach?
I have never heard one constructive comment from the Deputy, only destructive criticism all the time.
I have asked the Minister to seek co-operation——
Constantly the Deputy has been trying to make political argument, political play, out of the sensitive area of industrial relations.
I have been asking the Minister to come up with new legislation, with a new framework——
I have called No. 4 several times.
I know. You have been very tolerant but does the Minister intend to do anything about our industrial relations chaos?
Will the Deputy please resume his seat.
I am entitled to ask the Minister if he is doing anything and I am entitled to get a satisfactory answer.
If the Deputy does not resume his seat he will leave the House.
I want to know——
Will the Deputy resume his seat?
I will, while you are standing. It appears to the country that the Minister is on strike.
Will the Deputy resume his seat?
The House will not mind if the Minister seeks publicity.
I have been more than tolerant with the Deputy. Question No. 4.