asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, having regard to his recent statement on industrial relations to the Ennis Chamber of Commerce, he will arrange for a conference to be convened between the representatives of the County and City Managers Association and the trade unions for the purpose of exploring the establishment of a joint industrial council for non-nursing personnel employed in hospitals controlled by the local authorities within the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Non-Nursing Hospital Personnel.
91.
A joint industrial council is a voluntary body established by agreement between the parties concerned and I feel sure that they would themselves arrange to hold any exploratory conferences they consider necessary.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the County and City Managers Association have repeatedly refused to meet the unions on this issue and would he ask the Minister to take steps to encourage them to meet?
I should be glad to do that. I shall also bring it to the notice of the Minister for Local Government.