asked the Minister for Labour, following the recent announcement of the chairman of the Labour Court to resign, the proposals, if any, he has to reorganise the Labour Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Labour Court.
14.
On 7 April 1989 I announced the appointment of Mr. Kevin Heffernan as chairman of the court. Mr. Heffernan was an employers' member of the court for four years prior to his appointment as chairman. I also intend to make further changes in the composition of the court later this year.
As the Deputy will be aware, my proposals for industrial relations reform provide for the establishment of a new Labour Relations Commission which will have a general responsibility for the promotion of good industrial relations. One of the functions of the Labour Relations Commission will be to provide a conciliation service and this will involve the transfer of that function from the Labour Court in due course. It is my intention that the establishment of the commission will help to restore the original purpose and status of Labour Court investigation and recommendations. My proposals do not involve any change in the formal structure of the Labour Court.
Did the departure of the former chairman of the Labour Court arise from any policy differences between him and the Minister?
None whatsoever.