15. (1) Where the Court receives a request under section 14 it shall not undertake an examination in accordance with this section unless it is satisfied that—

(a) following consideration of any documentation submitted under subsection (2) of section 14—

(i) the trade union of workers is substantially representative of the workers of the particular class, type or group in the economic sector in respect of which the request is expressed to apply, and in satisfying itself in that regard, the Court shall take into consideration the number of workers in that class, type or group represented by the trade union of workers, and

(ii) where the request is made by a trade union or organisation of employers or jointly with a trade union or organisation of employers, the trade union or organisation concerned is substantially representative of the employers in the particular class, type or group in the economic sector in respect of which the request is expressed to apply, and in satisfying itself in that regard, the Court shall take into consideration the number of workers employed in the particular class, type or group in the economic sector concerned by employers represented by the trade union or organisation of employers concerned,

(b) the request is expressed to apply to all workers of the particular class, type or group and their employers in the economic sector in respect of which the request is expressed to apply,

(c) it is a normal and desirable practice, or that it is expedient, to have separate terms and conditions relating to remuneration, sick pay schemes or pension schemes in respect of workers of the particular class, type or group in the economic sector in respect of which the request is expressed to apply, and

(d) any recommendation is likely to promote harmonious relations between workers of the particular class, type or group and their employers in the economic sector in respect of which the request is expressed to apply.

(2) Prior to undertaking an examination under this section, the Court shall publish in such manner as, in the opinion of the Court, is best calculated to bring the request to the notice of all interested persons concerned, notice of its intention to undertake an examination under this section.

(3) A notice under subsection (2) shall invite representations to be made to the Court from any interested parties not later than 28 days after the date of the notice.

(4) Not earlier than 28 days after the date of a notice under subsection (2), the Court may hear all parties appearing to the Court to be interested and desiring to be heard.