Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 2

Written Answers. - Trade Union Recognition.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

55 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress, if any, made by the high level group on trade union recognition with regard to the issue of disputes of special importance in particular the agreed proposal in relation to essential services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21887/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

The high level group on trade union recognition recommended that parties involved in providing essential services agree amendments to their disputes procedures to adapt the key provisions of the voluntary Code of Practice on Dispute Procedures (Declaration) Order, 1992 (S.I. No. 1 of 1992) and that they do so before the expiry of P2000.

Irish industrial relations policy is one of voluntarism and primary responsibility for agreeing new procedures would be a matter for negotiation between relevant employers and employees, including unions representative of employees. The labour relations machinery of the state is of course available to assist the parties should they wish to avail of these services.