asked the Taoiseach if, in view of conflicting newspaper reports, he will clarify his recent comments during a speech in Mallow, County Cork on industrial relations; if the Government now exclude the possibility of unilateral legislation to solve labour problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Relations Policy.
2.
My remarks in Mallow were clear and require no clarification. The principal point I made was that there can be no escape from the need to establish and to adhere to orderly methods for examining and adjudicating upon industrial disputes. I indicated the drawbacks of alternative approaches.
If, having considered the matter fully, the Government decide that new legislation is required in this area, it will, of course, be their responsibility to introduce such legislation. We have not, however, reached any such conclusion. The present position is that the Minister for Labour is proposing to establish a Commission on Industrial Relations. He has nominated a chairman and hopes to nominate the remaining members, including nominees of both sides of the Employer/ Labour Conference, in the near future. I would hope that the commission will help in finding the most effective means of overcoming our industrial relations problems.
Can the House be assured that there will be no legislation until the commission report?
: If the Deputy had listened to my reply he need not have asked that supplementary.
The Taoiseach said that his position was unambiguous and clear. I am asking him to give a clear and unambiguous answer to the House about the environment the Government want to create in order to progress towards industrial peace. Will the Taoiseach tell the House if the Government are considering legislation before the commission report?
We are not.
The Taoiseach indicated that no conclusion had been reached on the introduction of new legislation in the area of industrial relations. Can he clarify for the benefit of the House if any examination is under way on the introduction of new legislation in that area? Could he assure the House that if any such is under consideration at present there will be full discussions with unions and employers prior to any suggested implementation?
These are separate questions.
They seem to be an extension of the question. However, I can assure the Deputy that there is no legislation before the Government at present. In the ordinary course of events I would expect that any legislation that would be brought forward would be discussed in advance with the social partners.