asked the Taoiseach what initiatives, if any, he intends taking to meet repeated requests from Irish trade unions to be consulted on a continuing basis regarding the likely adverse effects on employment should Ireland join the EEC; if, in view of the fact that trade unions are representative of the group of people who are most likely to be affected by EEC entry, he considers they have a right to regular consultation well in advance of the conclusion of negotiations for entry; and if he will ensure that representatives of Irish trade unions are afforded the opportunity of taking part in negotiations at Commission level before the current negotiations are concluded.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
13.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question by Deputy O'Leary on the 2nd February, 1971, when I pointed out that:
the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is involved in the examination of industries being carried out by the Committee on Industrial Progress which was established to assess the progress made by Irish industry in its preparation for free trade conditions. Representatives of Congress participate also in the annual industrial reviews. Employment is necessarily a factor in the issues arising in the course of these investigations in which there is continuing consultation with trade unions.
As regards consultation during the course of the negotiations, it is the practice of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to meet congress on matters arising in the negotiations. In addition, representatives of congress receive regular briefings from representatives of the Departments of Finance, Industry and Commerce and Labour on the progress of the negotiations. I would remind the Deputy that at all stages of the negotiations the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been at pains to emphasise the importance which the Government attach to both the maintenance of existing employment and the creation of new employment opportunities. The results so far achieved in the negotiations demonstrate the acceptance by the Community of our special position in this respect.
With regard to the final part of the question, I would point out that negotiations do not take place at Commission level but are conducted between the representatives of the Governments of the member States and of the Government of each applicant country.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the trade unions are not satisfied with the frequency of consultation?
I am not so aware. They have had two meetings recently with the Minister for Foreign Affairs— about two weeks ago before he went to Luxembourg and again this morning. On neither occasion, I understand, have they made a complaint.
The question I put down arises out of a resolution passed by the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union last June. There would be no necessity to have had that resolution tabled if they believed the consultations were adequate.
It was with the ITGWU that the Minister had his consultations.
That is all right but this union represents 150,000 members.
The president of that union was on the deputation from congress which the Minister met but he made no mention of any dissatisfaction.