asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of the serious consequences for industrial relations of the imprisonment of trade union shop steward Mr. Norman Duff in Mountjoy Prison and if he will made an urgent statement on the matter.
Private Notice Questions. - Imprisonment of Shop Steward.
andMr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that a member of the executive of the Irish National Painters and Decorators Union was imprisoned on Monday night arising from his attempt at industrial picketing and, in view of the potential disruption of the construction industry in particular and industrial relations in general with their consequent damaging impact, if he will take urgent steps to resolve the present situation.
Deputies will appreciate that the question of the imprisonment of a person found to be in breach of a High Court in junction is a matter for the courts and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on it. I am very concerned about the industrial relations implications of recent events. I am meeting with representatives of both sides of the national joint industrial council for the construction industry today in order to discuss the situation which has arisen and to explore ways of finding a solution.
Would the Minister investigate allegations that the employer concerned, Kelland Homes, is in breach of procedures laid down under the Act dealing with industrial relations and, if this is so, if he will seek an injunction against the employer so that justice will be seen to be done in a balanced way?
I heard some of these allegations. I would prefer to meet both sides of the joint industrial council first and explore the position. The Deputy will also be aware that the wage agreement of the joint industrial council is registered with the Labour Court and the Labour Court can investigate any complaints or allegations. At this stage I should prefer to wait to see what I can establish firmly as fact before taking a decision. I will bear the Deputy's point in mind.
Will the Minister take the opportunity when meeting with the joint industrial council to draw to the attention of construction employers represented on that council his view as to whether he considers statements which were made in relation to wage levels in the industry as helpful or unhelpful?
I will discuss that with them.
Will the Minister draw to the attention of the construction industry employers that it is they who are responsible for the lump in the industry and for paying whatever wages are paid? They bear the full responsibility for the implications of it.
I share the Deputy's view about the lump. I will draw to the attention of both sides my disapproval of the use of the lump.
With regard to the imprisonment of Mr. Duff, I understand there will be a meeting of the Government today. Will the Minister raise this issue at that meeting? Is there a possibility or have the Government power to arrange for the release of the prisoner? I understand the Minister for Justice or the Government can take a decision to arrange for the release of any prisoner. Is this the case and will such a recommendation be made by the Minister?
Deputies will appreciate that the imprisonment of a person found to be in breach of an injunction is a matter for the courts. The most I can say is that I will be reporting on the position to the Government.
Would the Minister not agree that it is a sad reflection on the attitude and mentality of the Construction Industry Federation that they used the High Court rather than the Labour Court to deal with disputes and that this is an attempt by them to force employees to continue with the lump system thereby depriving them of their benefits? Out of 78,000 building construction workers only 28,000 are included in the scheme for pension and so on. This is an indication that the Construction Industry Federation are not serious about ensuring that employees have proper conditions.
I will raise each of the points made by the Deputy with both sides. An injunction is often used in fields other than that of industrial relations. There is an agreement registered with the Labour Court under which facilities are available to both sides to make complaints to the Labour Court which can be investigated. I would be much happier to see the Labour Court being used particularly where there is a registered agreement.
Would the Minister convey forcibly to the Construction Industry Federation the view of the House that in 1982 one does not conduct negotiations in any sector of industry if a member of one side of the industry and of the national executive of a craft union happens to be in prison? Until such time as that person is released from prison, all negotiations are doomed to failure. Would the Minister not take every step to ensure that that man is released forthwith?
Deputies must appreciate the delicacy of the situation. We have discussed the subject at length and I will take their points into consideration in my discussions.
I want to be sure that the specific matter of the imprisonment of Mr. Duff will be raised at the Government meeting later today.
The imprisonment of a person found to be in breach of a High Court injunction is a matter for the courts, but of course I will be reporting the results of some of my talks to the Government.