asked the Minister for Labour if it is intended to implement the provisions of the EEC Vredeling Directive relating to worker consultation and information rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EC Worker Rights Directive.
10.
The initial Commission proposal for a Council directive in this area was first submitted to the Council of Ministers in 1980. Despite long and detailed discussions no agreement was reached on the proposed directive.
At the Council of Ministers meeting on 5 June 1986 a resolution was adopted deferring further consideration by the Council of the draft Vredeling Directive until early 1989. In the meantime, the Commission is to report to the Council each year on any important developments.
Would the Minister not agree that the Vredeling Directive is reform of the law which is essential in this State if the Government are intent, as they say they are, on achieving co-operation between labour and capital within the State and that the sooner the directive is implemented the better?
The decision has been suspended until 1989. There is much work to be done before we can get to a position of what decisions can be made.
Could the Minister indicate what is holding it up and what stance Irish representatives are taking in relation to the Vredeling Directive?
I have read the latest reports on this and I have seen the views put forward by the Irish side. There is far more fundamental disagreement than what is happening here. The procedure whereby consultants and former employees would monitor national development is something that is considered to be a big issue by all the countries of the EC. Much progress has yet to be made.
Would the Minister not agree that considerable progress was made with regard to this draft directive at the Council to which he makes reference and that if it was not for the unilateral opposition of the United Kingdom Government even further progress could perhaps have been made? In view of the signing and ratification by way of referendum of the Single European Act which will, among other things, allow for qualified majority voting to take place on the Council of Social Affairs' Ministers, will the Minister give an undertaking to this House to maintain the same policy line which previous administrations took with regard to the promotion of this draft directive?
I value the work that was done by the previous Minister on the issues that have been discussed and I do not intend to change any of that work. The directive is suspended for some time. I will continue to take the same approach that has been taken in the past. The Deputy will accept that the implementation of the provisions of the draft directive are a long way off and that discussions have been postponed until 1989.
Does the Minister have any view on steps he could take and which would go some way towards bridging the gap between the two sides apparently drawn up on this matter, as indicated in the latest report on the Vredeling Directive, and does he consider that we in Ireland in our way could do something to bridge that gap?
The Deputy is asking if in the interim any revised proposals could be devised so as to progress development. I am not sure if we can do anything in relation to this. Following long discussions during which a certain amount of progress was achieved, it was decided to suspend the discussions until 1989. That is the present position.
Deputy George Birmingham for a final question on this subject.
Is it the import of what the Minister is saying that he favours the adoption of the Vredeling Directive and is doing what he can to advance that. If I interpreted the Minister correctly, can I ask him whether his enthusiasm is shared by all his colleagues in Government.
No, because a lot of discussions have yet to take place. Some of the issues that have been discussed and noticed in good time are likely to have a substantial effect on the interests of workers. Management will require to consult with worker representatives. Many of these proposals seem sensible but until there is a final directive it is very much a draft directive on which much discussion has to take place. It is too early to say what is going to be in that final directive.
Surely we should have some input into it.
Is there any reason that a minimum proposal——
Deputies will appreciate that in order to be called by the Chair and to be recognised they must rise in their places.
In view of the time constraint——
(Interruptions.)
What did the Deputy say?
We might not be called if we rise.
The Deputy will not be called unless he rises.
In view of the time constraint in relation to raising matters on the Adjournment on Thursdays, I wish to raise this evening on the Adjournment the proposal to close Cahercalla maternity hospital in Ennis, County Clare.
I will communicate with the Deputy. It is now time to take priority questions.