asked the Minister for Labour if he has satisfied himself that the reaction of the labour relations framework and institutions to the Alcan dispute was effective and if he will make a statement on the matter.
199.
Written Answers - Alcan Dispute.
198.
asked the Minister for Labour if, in view of the recent serious disruption in industrial relations, notably at the Alcan project, Limerick and the nurses dispute, he now proposes as a matter of urgency to introduce legislation or other measures to improve the labour relations framework, institutions and resources and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
On the basis of discussions with officers of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and with officers of the company, I am satisfied that there are deficiencies in the existing organisation and structures governing labour-management relations at the Alcan site. I am convinced that improvements in this area will be necessary in order to secure a good industrial relations climate. For that reason, I have appointed a special three-man group to examine the organisation and structures referred to and to furnish a report and make recommendations for improvements. The chairman of the group is Mr. R Haslam, Limerick County Manager, and the members are P. Cardiff, General Secretary, Federated Workers' Union of Ireland and J. Nugent, Senior Specialist in Industrial Relations and Personnel, Irish Management Institute. In the meantime, both sides to the dispute are meeting today to discuss ways and means of getting an early resumption of work at the site.
Industrial relations in this country are based on the principle of free collective bargaining and the general line of Governments has been that legislation, far from interfering with that principle, must support and underpin it. I do not consider the present situation requires legislative action. Indeed, all the evidence suggests that there is a marked improvement this year compared with the same period last year. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we strive to secure further improvements whereby all parties to disputes would follow agreed procedures and utilise the dispute settling machinery provided by the State. It would be unrealistic to expect that changes in the law could, on their own, eliminate industrial strife. Indeed, I am on record as saying that legislation in itself is not a solution and will not guarantee that strikes will not occur.
In so far as improvements may be required, I appointed a Commission of Inquiry on Industrial Relations in May 1978, to carry out a comprehensive and detailed examination of the position and to make recommendations accordingly. In the meantime, I have set up an additional division of the Labour Court to expedite the processing of investigations of disputes. I have also indicated my willingness to appoint more rights commissioners if necessary.