Vol. 446 No. 4
128 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the defects, if any, which were identified in the official mechanism for dealing with industrial relations disputes in view of the recent difficulties in Irish Steel and Team Aer Lingus. [2390/94]
The difficulties which arose in TEAM Aer Lingus and Irish Steel were not due to any identifiable defects in the official mechanism provided by the State to assist in resolving industrial disputes. In both cases the disputes were eventually resolved on the basis of proposals recommended by the Labour Court.
These disputes, which arose from proposals for extensive changes and cost cutting measures in both enterprises, were by their nature extremely complex and difficult to resolve. The State's dispute settling agencies, the Labour Court and the Labour Relations Commission worked extremely hard in difficult circumstances to bring about a resolution of both disputes. The difficulties encountered in resolving these disputes could not be attributed to any defects in the manner in which the matters were dealt with by these bodies.
Arising from these disputes, however, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has embarked on a review of its procedures. I welcome this initiative and await its outcome with interest.
