asked the Taoiseach if, arising from his television broadcast to the nation, he intends to introduce any legislative change in industrial relations, if he accepts that any such changes require the support of both the trade unions and employers sides in industry, and if he intends to continue his bilateral meetings with these organisations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Relations.
4.
Industrial relations legislation is presently under review and if this review indicates that changes in the law would effect improvements in this area, then amending legislation will be introduced. Any such legislation would, of course, be the subject of consultation with both sides of industry. The Deputy can take it that I regard the continuation of meetings with trade unions and employer organisations as desirable and important.
Will the Taoiseach agree that to ensure improved industrial relations we should not depend purely on legislative change alone but that it is better to work at this in bilateral meetings? Will the Taoiseach agree that the best input in relation to improving industrial relations this year and in future years would be a fairer deal for PAYE workers? I admit that that is next Wednesday's input.
The Deputy will have to wait and see what next Wednesday brings forth. I fully agree that the industrial relations situation is not entirely a matter for legislation and that the spirit of the social partners concerned is far more important than any legislation.