asked the Minister for Labour in relation to the Commission on Industrial Relations, the number of submissions received and the organisations represented to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commission on Industrial Relations.
14.
I understand that the commission have received 41 submissions from organisations and individuals. As I have previously indicated to the House, under long-standing instructions relating to commissions and special inquiries not held in public, the proceedings are treated as confidential. I am not, therefore, in a position to give the detailed information sought by the Deputy. However, I would expect that this information will be included in the report of the commission.
When does the Minister expect the report?
I said this morning that the commission were established last May and at that stage I hoped their deliberations would be ended in two years. With the progress that has been made, I believe the report will be available well within that period.
The Minister said an interim report would be expected within six months.
Answer the Deputy's questions.
I answered Deputy O'Leary's question and I will also answer Deputy Mitchell's. I asked the commission to consider the possibility of issuing an interim report on a specific issue in a specific area. So far I have not heard whether they intend to produce an interim report.
What grounds had the Minister for saying that he expected the final report of the commission within two years of 1 May?
Because I have no reason to believe, with the number of meetings being held and the progress I assume is being made, that I cannot have that report within a two-year period.
I cannot follow the Minister.
It is very hard to get the Deputy to follow anything.
The Minister said he expects a final report after two years.
If the Deputy would ask a question when he gets to his feet it would facilitate the Chair.
On what grounds does the Minister expect the final report next May, if the interim report has not yet been received, and he does not know if he will receive it?
I said to the Deputy and I will repeat it—it takes a lot to get something into his head—that a year ago this month the commission were established. At that stage I asked that the final report be available, if possible, within the two-year period. I have no reason to believe that that time limit will not be met. I believe the report will be issued in advance of time.
What happened the interim report he expected within six months?
The Deputy already asked that question.
The Deputy is the champion pedlar of discontent in the House. When his criticism is constructive I will try to be more helpful.
How are we to believe his expectations when they are never realised?
Nobody believes the Deputy any more.
Personal abuse is not——
Order, please. Question No. 15.