asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a strike commenced on 19th November, 1945, at the shoe factory at Birr, and is still in progress; that the clergy of Birr, the Dáil Deputies for the constituency, the urban district council, the trade unions, and a representative of his Department have all failed to negotiate a satisfactory settlement; and if he will consider what further steps can be taken in regard to the strike, with a view to ending it, and to having the production of boots resumed at the factory without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Birr Factory Strike.
I am not aware of any additional steps than can usefully be taken for the purpose of settling this dispute, but I am always prepared to arrange for a further conference between the parties whenever they feel that such a conference might usefully be held.
Owing to the seriousness of the situation in Birr, would it be possible for the Minister personally to intervene, in view of the fact that a representative of his Department contributed very valuably to negotiations which, unfortunately, were unsuccessful? If the Minister himself would intervene, it might be the means of ending this dispute, which the clergy, Deputies and the urban council have failed to settle.
I have no reason to believe that that is the case.
It is really the case, as the Minister can learn from the officer of his Department who sat until late hours of the morning with Deputies from the constituency trying to reach a satisfactory settlement. Would the Minister be so kind as to devote 20 minutes or half an hour of his time to meeting the employers and representatives of the workers? With his influence, I believe that a satisfactory settlement could be arrived at.
I do not think so. From what I know of the circumstances of the dispute, unless one or other of the parties is prepared to change its attitude, a settlement is not possible.