Vol. 377 No. 5
asked the Minister for Labour regarding the discussions initiated by him between the ICTU and the FUE on the subject of industrial relations reform (a) the agenda (b) the time limit which has been placed on the discussions and (c) if he has any plans to put forward draft legislation on the parties as part of the discussions.
26.
(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Labour if he will make a statement on the progress to date of the discussions on the reform of industrial relations envisaged in the Programme for National Recovery.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 24 and 26 together. I have had meetings recently with the Federated Union of Employers and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions concerning industrial relations reform and further meetings at official level have been arranged. As I have stated previously in this House, the discussions with the ICTU and the FUE will have a broad agenda. Among the areas I would envisage being covered in the discussions are, the question of balloting before industrial action, injunctions in industrial disputes, trade dispute law, reform of the Labour Court, codes of practice and measures to further encourage trade union amalgamations. I have indicated to the FUE and the ICTU that I would be anxious to have the discussions completed by the end of April. I would hope to be in a position at that stage to formulate a legislative package to put to Government.
