asked the Minister for Labour his policy on industrial relations as it applies to both the public and private sectors.
472.
Written Answers. - Industrial Relations.
471.
asked the Minister for Labour if he proposes to amend the Trade Disputes Act, 1906; and, if so, the extent and the intent of the amendments to be proposed.
474.
asked the Minister for Labour whether he proposes to implement all or any of the recommendations contained in the report of the Commission on Industrial Relations; if he will specify any proposal he wishes to implement; how this will be achieved; and when.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 471, 472 and 474 together.
It is my intention, subject to Government approval, to introduce legislation in the current session to amend the Trade Disputes Act, 1906, so as to give workers in the public sector the same protection under the Act as workers in the private sector already have.
It will be my aim during my term of office to bring forward proposals to improve our industrial relations system, following consultations with both sides of industry. I have recently met representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Federated Union of Employers and outlined my approach.
I propose shortly to initiate discussions with trade union and employer interests on the measures that might be taken to secure improvements. I expect that many of the recommendations in the Report of the Commission of Inquiry on Industrial Relations will be relevant to the discussions. I will obviously be anxious to make progress as quickly as possible but it would be inappropriate to set time limits, at this stage, on the discussions.