Vol. 434 No. 4
124 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will give the code for resolving disputes in the public service; his views on whether the code should be implemented in all such disputes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Code of Practice on Disputes Procedures, including Procedures in Essential Services, drawn up by the Labour Relations Commission and published in January, 1992, aims to ensure that disputes are resolved without recourse to industrial action, by providing practicial guidance on procedures for the resolution of such disputes. Particular emphasis is placed on the avoidance of disputes in essential services, with the Code setting out additional safeguards for inclusion in employer/trade union agreements in such services. The Code itself states that its principles are appropriate for employments in the public and private sectors of the economy irrespective of their function, nature or size.
I am anxious that the Code's provisions should be adopted in employer/trade union agreements, particularly in organisations providing essential services. Regrettably, progress in this regard has been very disappointing and not one employment has adopted the code. Having regard to the lack of progress, I am now more than ever convinced that the Code's implementation needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Accordingly, I am strongly of the view that the Code must be on the table for discussion with the social partners in any talks on a follow-up to the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.
