asked the Minister for Labour the number of State bodies empowered to hold elections to appoint worker-directors to their boards under the terms of legislation introduced several years ago; the number of such bodies that have invoked this legislation; and the number, if any, who have not.
Written Answers. - State Body Worker-Directors.
298.
The Worker Participation (State Enterprises) Act, 1977, provides for the holding of elections among employees in seven State bodies (Aer Lingus Teoranta; Bord na Móna; British and Irish Steam Packet Company; Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta; Córas Iompair Éireann; Electricity Supply Board; and Nítrigéin Éireann Teoranta) following which one-third of the boards of these bodies would comprise employees elected by the work force.
Elections have now been completed in six of the State bodies concerned. In the remaining case, Aer Lingus, I expect to be in a position to make orders for the holding of an election in the New Year, when consultations will have concluded between the company and the trade unions.
It is also my intention, in accordance with the terms of the second national understanding, to prepare legislative proposals for an extension of the principle of employee participation at board level to additional State enterprises.