asked the Minister for Education whether representations were made to him by the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union on behalf of their members, the unestablished attendants employed at the National Museum; whether the Department of Education refused to discuss with the Union the issues raised in their representations; whether he is aware that the refusal of the Department to discuss the matters at issue has caused grave discontent amongst the employees to whom they relate; and whether, having regard to the circumstances mentioned, he is now prepared to arrange an early interview with the Union for a discussion of the grievances of which the attendants in question complain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Museum Attendants.
Representations were made to my Department by the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union on behalf of the unestablished attendants in the National Museum, and the Union was informed in reply that, as the attendants are not an industrial class, the Department is not in a position to discuss with the Union the conditions of employment of these officers, and that, under arrangements approved by the Government, any representations to be made by civil servants in regard to their pay or other conditions of service must come from the staff themselves directly, or through an association formed by themselves and officially recognised by the Minister for Finance and the Minister of the Department concerned.
Am I to take it that the Minister refuses to negotiate with the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union, and is it his attitude that the unestablished attendants must be members of a union named by the Minister?
I have nothing to add to my answer.
Is the Minister aware that the employees referred to have suffered considerable reductions since 1921, and that they arc at present in receipt of insufficient remuneration? Does he intend to do anything to improve their position?
I will look into the question.