Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 4

Written Answers. - Industrial Relations.

Ivor Callely

Question:

54 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress, if any, made to reach agreement with all concerned in order to avoid industrial unrest interfering in the provision of essential services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4255/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 89 together.

I do not want to pre-empt in any way the work of the High Level Group on Trade Union Recognition. However, I can say that discussions are proceeding apace on the three issues put before the reconvened group last December: individual worker representation; collective representation; and disputes of special importance.

I have not doubt that the group is taking account of the report of the inquiry into the dispute at Dublin Airport, which report includes findings relevant to industrial relations in essential services.