Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 2002

Vol. 547 No. 3

Written Answers. - Industrial Relations.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

68 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will use the powers available to her to refer the industrial dispute involving members of MANDATE employed at the South African embassy to the Labour Court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3348/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The powers available to me to refer industrial disputes to the Labour Court are restricted to circumstances where the public interest is affected or where the disputes are of special importance. Those powers, rightly in my opinion, have been used sparingly. In the circumstances of the dispute referred to by the Deputy, it would not be appropriate for me to refer this matter to the Labour Court.

The responsibility for the resolution of an industrial dispute is ultimately a matter for the parties directly involved. I would urge the parties to address this matter availing themselves, if it would help, of the assistance of the conciliation machinery of the State, which, while not having a formal role, has an excellent record of success in mediating between the parties in disputes.

I might add, as my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs has already indicated to the House, that the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which has been incorporated into Irish law as the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act, 1967, sets out a framework of privileges and immunities that are intended to facilitate effective diplomacy between states that are parties to the convention. However, the convention also refers to the need to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

69 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reforms in the industrial relations sector which are envisaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3374/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

Recent analysis of the underlying climate of industrial relations suggests that the main drivers of change for the foreseeable future will include: some uncertainty in the macro economy, competitiveness and adaptability by comparison with the momentum of the past five years; modernisation and re-organisation in the public service with, particularly, restructuring in some public companies stemming from deregulation liberalisation and, in some cases, major investment programmes; labour market and workplace challenges and opportunities presented by factors such as life-long learning, work-life balance and growing workplace diversity; developments in the EU, notably concerning information and consultation of workers; and, regarding pay, the advent of benchmarking in the public service and the expiry of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

Some or all of these drivers will shape the response of Government, the industrial relations machinery – as evidenced, for example, in the recently published Strategy Framework, 2002-2004, of the Labour Relations Commission – or bodies such as the National Centre for Partnership and Performance, which has concluded a very comprehensive consultation process in preparation for the launch of its strategic and planning framework.

I am particularly pleased that the Labour Relations Commission envisages adding further to its proactive or developmental efforts, supplementing its effective dispute resolution capacity as well as strengthening the conciliation services. I expect that both it and the National Centre for Partnership and Prosperity will continue to help the parties to move from classic con frontational stances to a joint problem-solving approach.