Vol. 510 No. 2
11 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions, if any, she has had to date with the social partners on the report of the high level group on trade union recognition; when she will bring legislative proposals to the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21986/99]
Following presentation of the report of the high level group to Government, discussions have taken place between officials of my Department, the social partners and the relevant industrial relations and development agencies. Work on the legislative proposals is proceeding apace and consultations are currently taking place with the Attorney General's office. I am aware of the importance of this issue and I hope to be in a position to bring proposals to Government shortly and to publish a Bill as soon as possible thereafter.
How does the Minister see trade union recognition in the context of forthcoming negotiations for a new social contract? In terms of the timescale open to the Government as one of the critical partners to any new social contract, when will the Minister be in a position to bring legislation to the House to give effect to the proposals of the high level group on trade union recognition?
I see this as an important issue and remind the Deputy that two issues were raised by the trade union movement which it wished to see resolved before the commencement of the next agreement, that we would deal with the minimum wage and the trade union recognition. As the Deputy will be aware, I recalled the high level group in December 1998. We have now reached this stage as regards proposals. The Deputy asked specifically when I envisage the legislation coming into being. Much good work is being done and the heads of the Bill are being drawn up, although there are one or two issues to be resolved. I hope to publish the Bill before the end of the year – I believe it comprises 20 or 30 sections. My objective is to introduce it before Partnership 2000 expires early next year.
Is there agreement at this stage between the social partners or does the Minister believe he will have to bring forward legislative proposals which may not necessarily have allegiance of both sides of industry?
There is obviously agreement among the social partners on the basis that the high level group was made up of the social partners. Deputy Rabbitte referred to the level of consultation taking place in our Department and this is an example of where good, intensive consultation has worked under the partnership procedures. That the high level group managed to come up with a framework means there is agreement there, though clearly there are some legislative issues to be resolved. That is the responsibility of our legal advisers and we are awaiting their advice.
