(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