Section 17: Direct reference to National Industrial Court in certain special cases.

If in the case of any trade dispute of which he has received a report under section 6 of this Act it appears to the Minister-(a) that the dispute is one to which workers employed in any essential service are a party; or
(b) that in the circumstances of the case reference of the dispute to an arbitration tribunal would not be appropriate,
then, within seven days of the receipt by him of a report under section 8(5) of this Act, the Minister shall refer the dispute directly to the National Industrial Court.