asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of the refusal of the Insurance Corporation of Ireland Limited to recognise the Guild of Insurance Officials; and if he is prepared to intervene to secure the recognition of the latter by the Insurance Corporation of Ireland Limited.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Guild of Insurance Officials.
88.
I am aware of the situation outlined in the first part of the Deputy's question.
This matter was the subject of a Labour Court investigation and the Court recommended that the Insurance Corporation of Ireland should recognise the Guild of Insurance Officials as being representative of the employees and agree to negotiate with the Guild.
As the Deputy is aware, Labour Court recommendations are not binding on either party and I must respect the right of parties to disputes to act as the Insurance Corporation of Ireland have done in this instance.
Is the Minister satisfied that the matter should be let rest there, in view of the fact that the Insurance Corporation of Ireland is largely State-financed? In the circumstances, does he consider it a good headline for a body so appointed to refuse to accept a recommendation of the Labour Court?
I am sure the Deputy is aware that I think all recommendations of the Labour Court should be accepted.
Surely the Minister is aware that this appears to be a breach of the constitutional rights of these workers? As Deputy Cosgrave has said, it is terrible to see the State supporting the action of a group who are apparently attempting to deny the constitutional rights of the workers to organise and represent a particular grade?
Would the Deputy say in what way the State is supporting them?
Is the State not the chief holder in this company?
Does the Deputy think the State should enforce the recommendation of the Labour Court?
The Deputy thinks the State should not do what the Minister for Health and the Minister for Local Government did when they refused to accept a Labour Court recommendation recently.
I wish both sides to disputes would accept recommendations of the Labour Court.