Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 3

Written Answers. - Dispute Procedures.

Ivor Callely

Question:

97 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the progress, if any, made on the adoption of the code of practice on dispute procedures in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4376/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

Adoption of the code is primarily a matter for negotiation and agreement between employers and trade unions in accordance with the voluntary nature of our collective bargaining system. It is, of course, important that adequate procedural arrangements should be in place and be followed if industrial relations are to be conducted in a professional manner; improved procedural safeguards in organisations providing essential services, in particular, are greatly to be desired. There has been some welcome development in this area; Iarnród Éireann, for example, have now taken account of the code's provisions in concluding an agreement with their workforce. I am aware that the code also figures in discussions that are ongoing in other organisations at present.

While I would like to see quicker progress made in this area, I have to acknowledge that the tabling of the code tends to take place in the context of wider negotiation processes, which of their nature are complex and take time. I would, nevertheless, like to avail of this opportunity to encourage negotiating parties to take account of the code's provisions and thereby improve the stability of the employment relationship.