asked the Minister for Labour if he has received representations from the Meath Trade Union Council regarding delays in the Labour Court; the action he proposes to take in the matter; and if he is satisfied that claims are dealt with sufficient speed by the Court.
Written Answers. - Labour Court Delays.
199.
I have received the representations referred to by the Deputy.
In the absence of specific information I am unable to comment on alleged delays in any individual cases which the Deputy may have in mind.
However, the full operation of four divisions of the Labour Court has helped to reduce any delays which may have occurred in the periods between the holdings of conciliation conferences and formal court hearings and in the periods between those hearing and the issues of court recommendations to parties.
Difficulties, which cause delays, have been encountered by the court in arranging hearings with parties to disputes. During 1980, at the request of parties to disputes, some 60 postponements of cases listed for hearings by the court were granted.
During 1980 the court issued 802 recommendations, determinations and decisions. The corresponding figures for the two previous years are 576 (1979) and 545 (1978). If the Deputy will let me have particulars of any individual complaints of delay, I shall be happy to inquire into it.