asked the Minister for Labour if he will make a statement on the views expressed by the Labour Court in relation to the reform of industrial relations.
Written Answers. - Industrial Relations Reform.
144.
The basic position of the Labour Court as expressed in its submission to me is that the court itself could carry out the functions which I envisage for a Labour Relations Commission.
I feel that a new Labour Relations Commission is necessary to assume general responsibility for the promotion of good industrial relations, to encourage and facilitate a more active approach to dispute-prevention and resolution, and to restore the original purpose and status of the Labour Court as a court of last resort.
The board of the Commission will consist of representatives of ICTU and the FUE as well as a number of independent members.
I will be meeting with the Labour Court in the near future to afford it an opportunity to present its views to me first hand and I will then finally decide on the best way to proceed.