Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I agree there have been difficulties with the resolution of many industrial disputes. However, legal mandatory rulings have not been a feature of our industrial relations scenery and they create a very different approach to industrial relations. Our industrial relations machinery has evolved on the basis of seeking to be conciliatory and to bring parties together. Ultimately solutions have to be found from between the two sides and seeking to have binding legal obligations in respect of a dispute of this nature has never favoured. One would need to consider long and hard before imposing mandatory solutions producing binding decisions which affect workers or employers without them having the opportunity to take a different view.

The Deputy is suggesting a very profound shift in the type of industrial relations approach in this country. Our record of low industrial strife points to the success of the system. I recognise there are always some cases which prove the exception to the rule and I am always ready to listen to suggestions. However, the bigger problem is in the area of employment rights. Just as we have a more efficient system the awards should be enforceable and this is an area where I plan to direct more of my energies.

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