asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he intends to take action, in accordance with the proposals made to him by the officials of the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union, on behalf of dock labourers at the different ports in the Saorstát who are suffering considerably in consequence of the tariff war.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dock Labourers.
Proposals relating to the organisation of dock labourers at certain ports were submitted to me by officials of the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union and have been under consideration in my Department. I assume it is to these proposals the Deputy refers in his question. I am not yet in a position to state whether action on the general lines suggested is practicable as certain necessary inquiries have not yet been completed.
Will the Minister take any action in this matter?
That will depend on the result of the inquiry.
Is the Minister satisfied that there is very considerable suffering on the part of persons at the ports, persons who would be normally employed at the ports, as a result of the tariff war?
That is not a direct consequence of the tariff war alone.
Is the Minister aware that a very large number of Cork dockers are unemployed because of the fiscal policy of this Government?
No. My evidence is to the contrary.
Is the Minister prepared to accept Deputies' evidence that there are many dockers unemployed as a result of the fiscal policy of the present Government?
No.