asked the Minister for Labour if, in the context of the Government's commitment to decentralisation, he will set up a division or divisions of the Labour Court outside Dublin in order to improve the machinery available for the speedy resolution of industrial relations disputes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Labour Court Decentralisation.
1.
The question of decentralisation of the Labour Court has been raised from time to time. The distribution of Labour Court hearings would not however justify the location of a division of the court outside Dublin. This position was supported by the Commission of Inquiry on Industrial Relations.
The court held 999 hearings during 1986, of which 637 were in Dublin. The remaining 362 hearings were held in 28 different locations throughout the country.
I understand from the Labour Court that the fact that all four divisions are based in Dublin has not resulted in any undue delay in cases being heard.
Would the Minister accept that there are considerable delays, particularly at conciliation level in hearings? Given the number of people who reside outside Dublin and want access to the Labour Court, would the Minister accept that these people feel they have a grievance because the four divisions of the Labour Court are located in Dublin? Will he look at the matter again?
I accept that because the four divisions are located in Dublin many people would have to travel great distances and that this may create difficulties. However, this matter has been examined on a number of occasions but I am not against having a look at the earlier reports. Most of the reports state that since the contacts are in Dublin and the four divisions are meeting regularly, the location of the Labour Court in Dublin is of benefit to all. From the earlier reports by the Commission of Inquiry on Industrial Relations I read that the delays did not affect the conciliation and arbitration service. However, as I have already said, I am prepared to examine the earlier reports.
Given that the Government have made a song and dance about decentralisation, this strikes me as one area where the Government could prove their bona fides. Would the Minister not consider catering for a large section of the country, like the courts, by setting up a division of the Labour Court in say, Cork as an alternative location? I would like to see this division being permanently located in Cork but perhaps the Minister would consider it on a trial basis for 12 months? That would be of enormous benefit to the people living in the southern half of the country.
As I said, I will look at the earlier reports. Of the 999 hearings held during 1986, 637 were in Dublin, in Cork there were 16 visits and 57 hearings, and for the total Munster region there were 58 visits and 185 hearings. This is a very small proportion of the total number of cases heard. When the Labour Court were consulted and examinations were carried out, they were not in favour of locating a division on a permanent basis outside this city.
The Minister referred to the Commission of Inquiry on Industrial Relations. I am sure he will agree that that is outdated by some years for this purpose. Would he ascertain the views of the social partners during the discussions he is having with them on industrial relations generally?
They, too, have been consulted and hold the Labour Court view. As regards decentralisation, I accept that people would prefer not to have to travel quite so far to have their cases heard but the unanimous view of the social partners and the Labour Court seems to be that the Labour Court should be located in Dublin. However, I will look at the earlier reports.