asked the Minister for Labour if he will introduce legislation, and if necessary a Constitutional amendment, guaranteeing all groups of workers the right to join the trade union of their choice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Unions Membership.
1.
Consideration of matters of this kind must await submission of the report of the Commission on Industrial Relations, which is expected shortly.
I am well aware that this is a very delicate question, but is there any possibility that the Minister, in the proposed legislation about strike control and so on, would consider this matter, because it is one which is dividing congress at present and is quite urgent?
Matters of this kind are for the ICTU and until the Government receive a submission from them on such matters the Government have no intention of introducing legislation.
Is it the case that all matters of industrial relations legislation must await the report of this committee? Further, when does the Minister expect the report in question to be to hand?
It is not necessary that all matters of industrial relations should have to await the report of this commission. I have said in my reply that this report of the Commission on Industrial Relations is expected shortly.
I would like to press the Minister on whether he would be a little bit more specific. Does he mean this year when he says "shortly"?
At this stage it would not be right for me, in fairness to the commission, to say when or to define further the word "shortly".
Will the Minister ask for some submission on this issue or does he expect any submission on it?
I have not seen the draft report at this stage, but if the Deputy puts down a question in, say, a month's time possibly I would give him further information.