Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 1

Written Answers. - Aviation Sector Industrial Relations.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

14 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the examination, if any, he plans of industrial relations in the aviation sector in view of the ongoing difficulties at TEAM Aer Lingus, Airmotive and Irish Helicopters.[7630/96]

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

As the Deputy is aware, in the Irish industrial relations system employers and employees seek to resolve their own differences, availing where needed of the assistance of the State dispute-settling agencies such as the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court. The preference of business and their workforces generally to conduct their own industrial relations means that the LRC and the Labour Court become involved only where the parties concerned wish them to do so.

The Labour Relations Commission also provides the help of its advisory service to entities that seek assistance to resolve industrial relations difficulties of a deeper seated nature. I have no plans at this stage to conduct an examination of industrial relations in the aviation sector, nor do I believe that it would be productive.