asked the Minister for Labour the procedures which are undertaken by his Department to ensure that when new industries come to the country a good industrial relations undertaking is developed from the onset and thus avoiding disputes at a later date; and if a review of foreign firms is regularly undertaken to monitor industrial relations progress in such firms.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers - Industrial Relations.
26.
While my Department are happy to describe the features of our system of industrial relations to any incoming employer, new overseas industries, ordinarily deal in the first instance with the Industrial Development Authority.
I have been advised that the IDA inform all new overseas grant-assisted companies establishing plants in Ireland about the industrial relations practices and procedures in this country. In addition, promoters are put in contact with relevant organisations and State agencies. The IDA also monitor all aspects of the development of new overseas firms, including their industrial relations progress, on an ongoing basis.
In so far as the services which come under the auspices of the Department of Labour are concerned, industrial relations officers of the Labour Court are available on request to advise both employers and workers on good industrial relations procedures and practice.
Would the Minister agree that it is vitally important, now that it is so difficult to attract major industry to put substantial investment into this country, that the industrial relations models in our large firms controlled by foreign firms live up to a high standard? Is the Minister happy that we have a monitoring process which ensures that difficulties are not allowed to fester under the surface? Many of these firms are part of multinational corporations in the US who regularly assess where to invest. These companies take industrial relations into account when assessing whether or not to invest.
I share the Deputy's concern about attracting industries here because we need a level of investment from abroad. My Department strive at all times to ensure that the IDA are fully acquainted with industrial relations on the ground. There has been a general improvement in industrial relations here in the past three to four years. That improvement may not necessarily improve the perception among some people who come from some sectors of the world and start off with an enormous prejudice against trade unions of every kind. It is our intention to ensure that any firm which establishes here will comply with the norms and regulations involved in good industrial practice. Good industrial practice here is first and foremost the recognition of trade unions and the establishment of proper consultative procedures with them. If the Deputy is referring to a particular instance or firm that may have doubts about establishing here I will be happy to be of direct assistance to him in that instance.
From my experience it appears that industrial relations are better in a firm which establishes here and follows proper procedure if there is only one union involved. It would be unhelpful to say to which firm I refer specifically in this House but there is one or possibly two cases of highly successful firms who have indicated privately their concern not with the economic conditions here or with law and order but about industrial relations and how they are run by certain trade unions. I will take up the case to which I am referring privately with the Minister.
I appreciate the Deputy's concern. I, too, as well as the Congress of Trade Unions share the view that there are far too many trade unions here, but it is for the trade unions to put their house in order. Congress have established a committee to try to bring about mergers. I would remind Congress and the House that unique among western countries, we have a very generous set of provisions in the 1975 Trade Union Act that will provide financial assistance to trade unions who wish to merge their undertakings so as to achieve the rationalisation necessary in the industrial relations field.