Enda Kenny
Ceist:343 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Labour if he has satisfied himself with the operation of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Industrial Relations Legislation.
The Industrial Relations Act, 1990 put in place an improved framework for the conduct of industrial relations and for the resolution of trade disputes. While the Act has only been in place for a relatively short period, and the provisions in relation to secret ballots and injunctions do not come into effect until July 1992 all the indications are that it is operating successfully.
The provisions in relation to picketing, for example, have clarified what was previously a very confusing area. I believe that the balloting provisions which require all trade unions to have a secret ballot rule in their rule books by July of this year will provide an important statutory underpinning for the already widely observed good practice of holding secret ballots before industrial action is taken.
We have recently had the publication of the code of practice on dispute procedures including procedures in essential services which is the first code to be drawn up under the Act. It is my view that codes of practice can make an important contribution to improving industrial relations practices and procedure.
A further important development under the Act was the establishment of the Labour Relations Commission in January 1991. In its first year of operation the commission has been very active and has been very successful in the prevention and resolution of disputes.
I will of course continue to keep the operation of the Act under review.