asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that because of the month-old hold-up of the continental cattle shipments, at Dublin port, this valuable trade is in jeopardy and grave hardship is being caused to Irish seamen, dockers and cattle drovers; and, if so, whether he will take steps to terminate the hold-up at once.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Port Hold-up.
I understand that the hold-up to which the Deputy refers results from a trade dispute. I am informed that this dispute has been referred to the Labour Court. As I have mentioned in reply to earlier questions the Labour Court was set up to give advice on how such disputes should be settled, and I propose to leave that work in the hands of the court.
Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply on this very serious matter, I propose with your permission, Sir, to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
On that, might I suggest to the Deputy that, as I am informed this dispute is to-day the subject of negotiations, it might be advisable to have no further debate on it here? However, it is a matter for the Deputy himself. I would suggest that it might not be helpful to the negotiations which are actually in progress to have the matter debated in the House.
I insist on the notice I have given but in a short time I may be able to tell you, Sir, that I will not insist on it.
I have not yet accepted the Deputy's proposal.
I appreciate that but the position is so serious that, as the Dáil will be rising to-night, I do not want to have any further delay. That is why I want to raise the matter to-night.
Is the Minister aware that the implications of this strike may extend something further than to the stoppage of the shipment of cattle to the Continent and that the transit of cattle to the Six Counties may be held up? If there is any hope of a settlement being reached, I think it would be better for Deputy Cowan not to have the matter debated in this House.
My information is that the matter is at the moment the subject of negotiations with a view to bringing about a settlement. With regard to raising the question on the Adjournment, I have no function in the matter.
I have allowed it to go on for four weeks and now I am told, when I put down a question, that the matter is being examined to-day. I do not wish to withdraw the notice I have given.