Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Democracy.

Wednesday, 11 July 1973

Dáil Eireann Debate
Vol. 267 No. 5

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24.

Mr. Lemass: Information on Noel T. Lemass  Zoom on Noel T. Lemass  asked the Minister for Labour if a movement towards meaningful industrial democracy at both national and company level is regarded as a prerequisite for any comprehensive and successful prices and incomes policy which embraces all forms of income.

25.

Mr. Lemass: Information on Noel T. Lemass  Zoom on Noel T. Lemass  asked the Minister for Labour if the Government have any proposals whereby workers may have a democratic voice in production and investment decisions.

Mr. M. O'Leary: Information on Michael O'Leary  Zoom on Michael O'Leary  With your permission, a Cheann Chomhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.

The 14-point programme of the National Coalition contains an overall and firm commitment to advance worker participation in industry and a specific commitment to provide for the election of workers to the boards of State industries. Legislation to effect the latter will be introduced as soon as possible having regard to the complexities of the question.

In addition to the straight-forward provision for the election of worker directors the legislation will also provide for their training and for the necessary facilities and time for them to carry out their role effectively.

This is an enormously complex area touching as it does on the structure and geographic spread of each company, the degree of trade union organisation of the workers in each company, the nature of our company law, the legislation on which each State company is based, and so on.

Much detailed consultation will, therefore, have to take place with [645] the trade unions, the managements of the companies concerned, the responsible boards and Departments of State.

Mr. Lemass: Information on Noel T. Lemass  Zoom on Noel T. Lemass  It sounds far more complex than it did the last time I attended the Annual Delegate Conference of the Irish Congress of Trades Unions. Can the Minister give me any indication when this legislation might be introduced?

Mr. M. O'Leary: Information on Michael O'Leary  Zoom on Michael O'Leary  Not at this stage. I would hope in the Recess to be able to proceed in legislative form on our commitment to introduce this in the State sector.

Mr. Lemass: Information on Noel T. Lemass  Zoom on Noel T. Lemass  I shall repeat the question in the autumn.

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