John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

To clarify, I urge Irish Cement to take action and pay the bonuses due. The system of industrial relations is essentially voluntarist in nature, with the terms and conditions of employment of workers being determined, in the main, by a process of negotiations to reach agreement without direct intervention by the State. Nonetheless, I hear clearly what the Senator is saying. In general, the law does not try to impose a solution on parties to an industrial relations dispute, rather it is designed to support them in resolving their differences. The State takes a supportive role by providing a framework and institutions through which good industrial relations can prosper, rather than taking an interventionist course. Institutions such as the Rights Commissioner Service and the Labour Court were established to assist in the resolution of disputes between employers and workers. It is important to indicate the expertise of the State's industrial relations machinery offers the best avenue for resolving issues in dispute. It is expected the parties to a dispute will come to the process in good faith and, as a consequence, are prepared to give serious consideration to the decisions or recommendations made. Even what appears to be the most intractable of disputes is capable of resolution where both sides engage constructively and in good faith. As I said, the principle of good faith implies that both sides will make every effort. However, responsibility for the resolution of disputes remains with the parties involved and as such, there are no plans to make changes to the Industrial Relations Acts to compel either party to accept a Labour Court recommendation in disputes referred to the court under the Acts.