asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that there is a trade dispute in a licensed grocery establishment at Ballyboden; that one union is picketing the establishment to obtain the dismissal of an employee, and that the other union of which the employee is a member state they will picket the establishment if the man is dismissed; if his Department has failed to get the two unions to attend a conference, and if he contemplates any further action.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyboden Trade Dispute.
I am aware that there is a trade dispute in a licensed grocery establishment at Ballyboden and that one union is picketing the premises in order to achieve the dismissal of an employee and that a second union, of which the employee is a member, state that they will picket the establishment if the man is dismissed. My Department has been unable to arrange a conference between the Vintners' Protection Association and the two unions in question and I am satisfied that a conference between the Vintners' Protection Association and any one of the two unions in question would serve no useful purpose.
I asked the Minister if he contemplated any further action and he has not answered that. Would he be in any better position if the Trades Disputes Act were now law?
I do not know that it is possible for me to take any further action.
Would you be in any better position if the Trades Disputes Act were now law?
The Trades Disputes Act is law. The Deputy is, probably, referring to the Trade Union Act.
Yes.