DAIL DEBATES

Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2000 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed).


Sitting Time
Sitting Date
18:20
21 November 2000
Text:

Question again proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

Mr. Kelleher: I welcome the opportunity to debate this legislation. There is general agreement on it but I wish to refer to a number of issues. It is important that industrial relations are discussed in the prevailing climate. It is well recognised throughout the EU and further a field that industrial relations in Ireland have been a major contributory factor to the economic climate we now enjoy. There is prosperity, a reduction in taxation, low interest rates, increased spending and a reduction in unemployment and social issues have been addressed. Social issues still remain but at least the industrial relations process allows Government, unions and employers to come together and formulate national
agreements, the latest of which is the Programme for Prosperity and
Fairness.
As one looks back on recent years, it is important to acknowledge the need to be inclusive in negotiations. Bringing unions, employers and Government on board has been effective to date. However, some groups are seeking additional payments but that should be addressed under the PPF and the labour relations mechanisms which exist. I urge the ASTI, following its recent action, to come to the table and negotiate with the Labour Relations Commission using the industrial relations apparatus which is available.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s Ireland experienced inflation and wage demand which spiralled and brought the country to its knees. If it were not for the foresight and vision of the 1987 Administration and unions we would not be here now talking about the Celtic tiger or the Celtic snail. One of the guiding principles that should be adopted and encouraged is the involvement of the unions, employers and the State as a triumvirate to ensure there is broad agreement on the parameters for tax reduction, public spending and social inclusion.
The purpose of the legislation is to give new dispute settling powers to the Labour Court in cases where the employer has failed to follow agreed voluntary procedures, where negotiating procedures are not in place and collective bargaining is not taking place and where there has been no recourse to industrial action by the trade union or employees involved. In the past the Labour Court did not have enough powers to bring about a settlement as outlined in the explanatory memorandum and for that reason the legislation is timely and welcome.
I am 32 years old and I believe we owe a great deal of gratitude to
those who brought about industrial harmony from 1987 onwards. That must be acknowledged. I am concerned that with the passage of time there are people who do not remember the dark old days when a graduate left college and had two choices, to go on social welfare or get on an aeroplane. It is important to recognise that industrial harmony is one of the pillars on which the Celtic tiger is built. If that is forgotten economists and other experts are agreed that the process of economic development, social inclusiveness and reducing taxes could easily come to an end.
Section 2 prescribes the conditions under which the Labour Court can carry out an investigation and enables the court to investigate accepted bodies defined under section 6(3) of the Trade Union Act, 1941, that can carry out negotiations for the fixing of wages and other conditions of employment. There was a slight deficit up to now in this area of the industrial relations armoury and the Bill acknowledges and addresses that issue.
I hope centralised bargaining will continue where the Government and the social partners can come together and draw up an industrial plan. The announcement of the £40 billion national development plan demonstrates that we can plan well in advance for the future if there are good, positive industrial relations. A cohesive forward-thinking vision for Ireland is capable of being produced but if the PPF is undermined and disintegrates I fear the worst.
I am confident the Government has taken on board the concerns of the unions and employers in formulating the upcoming budget. However, there is concern among trade union representatives about inflation. People on fixed social welfare benefits are also concerned and they must be a priority.
The present industrial relations apparatus has served Ireland well and the legislation tightens certain areas which heretofore were difficult to address. The partnership approach has been successful and should continue to be supported by all involved. There will be confrontations, disputes and arguments but they should be addressed in the industrial relations process. Ireland's economy is booming and relations between unions and employers is one factor which is investigated by people who wish to invest in Ireland. That was a major factor in the huge inward investment here from 1987 onwards.
There is no doubt if negotiations and relations between the unions,
employers and Government break down there will be a flight of capital and a lack of inward investment, which is another pillar on which the booming economy has been founded. We should be conscious of encouraging everybody to be inclusive in their approach to the industrial relations process.
The legislation is brief and it has been debated at length in the
Seanad. I welcome it and wish it a speedy passage through the House. I hope the Bill when enacted will address the problems regarding dispute settling powers for the Labour Court and people will be able to use this mechanism to address their concerns.