asked the Minister for Labour if it is his intention to set up a Labour Relations Commission; if so, when the commission will be set up; what the function of the commission will be; and if it will provide an effective system of consultation and a means of assistance to unions and employers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Labour Relations Commission.
26.
The proposals on industrial relations reform which were published last March provided for the establishment of a new Labour Relations Commission. Since then, this proposal has been the subject of discussion with Congress and the FUE. The substantial proposals contained the concept of a commission charged with responsibility for the promotion of good industrial relations at all levels and capable of providing an extended range of services in a vigorous and dynamic way.
In addition to its general role in the promotion of good industrial relations, the proposed commission would have responsibility for the following: a conciliation service; an advisory service; the equality officer service as an independent unit of the commission; the rights commissioner service as an independent unit of the commission; a research function; an industrial relations review and monitoring function and a role in the preparation and operation of codes of practice.
Legislation dealing with the establishment of the proposed new commission will be brought forward later this year. It would be my firm intention, however, that the new commission will be functioning at the earliest possible date thereafter.
I thank the Minister for his reply and I am glad to see that progress is taking place. Will he tell the House if negotiations with the ICTU and the FUE are progressing fairly speedily? Does he envisage any other difficulties arising prior to the legislation coming before the House? From his reports a few weeks ago I can see a long industrial saga ensuing with regard to his proposed amendments to the Act dealing with industrial relations. May I take it that the commission referred to in the question will progress speedily and not necessarily as part of the overall package of industrial relations reform?
The Deputy may take it that we will make substantial progress in 1986 in the reform of industrial relations which involves a package of measures. As the Deputy is no doubt well informed from his own employer contacts, the discussions are proceeding quite satisfactorily.
I would remind the Minister that the FUE rarely spend any time with me. The body concerned are the ICTU because they do not go through the Labour Party any more. Is the Minister stating that we will see established in 1986 a labour relations commission and that the legislation will be in this House in 1986?
It is my firm intention to introduce such legislation in 1986 and to establish the commission as quickly as possible thereafter.
Will the Minister tell us what he thinks will be the composition of the labour relations commission? Who will chair the commission? What details has he of this matter at this stage?
Substantial work has been done in this matter and the proposals have been circulated to both social partners. When I am in a position to produce the full details following completion of the consultations I will be happy to do so.
I suppose it would not be out of the question to ask the Minister to keep the main Opposition party informed as well?
The main Opposition party through their spokesman on labour affairs received, simultaneously with the ICTU and the FUE, a copy of the proposals before the press received them. Perhaps the Deputy in question will concede that on all occasions where I have final documents ready for circulation he has received copies without delay, as is due to his position. I do not propose to change that practice.
I accept that, unlike the situation concerning the Minister for the Public Service.