Vol. 482 No. 5
23 Mr. McDowell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether the Labour Relations Commission needs more staff and other resources; if so, the steps, if any, she is taking to remedy these deficiencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18345/97]
I acknowledge my appreciation of the work of the Labour Relations Commission, as one of the two major industrial relations agencies.
In an open economy, such as Ireland, it is essential that enterprise improves and maintains its competitiveness, both in term of efficiency and effectiveness. Positive industrial relations can make a substantial contribution to the meeting of these competitive challenges. The Labour Relations Commission is an agency which makes a substantial contribution to the maintenance of positive industrial relations in Irish-based companies and thus it plays an important role in enterprise development. I am acutely aware that the work of the LRC is broadening and becoming increasingly complex in the face of:
—the ongoing change in work practices and organisation required to meet competitive challenges;
—expectations by employees of sharing in the benefits of the celtic tiger;
—reorganisation and restructuring in an increasing number of organisations, both in the private and public sectors.
I am determined that the LRC should be properly equipped in terms of resources to enable the commission to continue to contribute to the maintenance and development of positive industrial relations in its client population. That is why active discussions were initiated with the commission some months ago on its staffing and other resource requirements. These discussions are taking account of both the immediate and the future requirements of the commission.
The discussions will be completed without delay and the necessary decisions taken in the light of:
—the established need for additional resources;
—the central role of the LRC in the maintenance and development of positive industrial relations;
—the general need to maintain efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public services.
