asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what consideration has been given by his Department to the situation existing as a result of the strike in the body-building department of Córas Iompair Éireann, and whether in view of the fact that a number of the skilled workers employed have already emigrated and in view of the desirability of retaining the remaining skilled workers at home, he contemplates any action for bringing about a speedy settlement of the issues in dispute.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Córas Iompair Éireann Strike.
Mr. Byrne
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the dispute between the two trade unions concerned in the strike in the Córas Iompair Éireann vehicle building department at Spa Road, Inchicore, has resulted in the disemployment of five to six hundred workers, some of whom were not directly involved, but were locked out; and, if so, if he will state what steps are being taken to bring the dispute to an end and to prevent a recurrence in this case or a repetition of similar disputes in other industrial concerns.
I propose, with the consent of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.
The Labour Court investigated this dispute and made their recommendations on the 24th February, 1950. These were not accepted by the men's representatives. In the hope of relieving the deadlock the chairman of Córas Iompair Éireann made certain suggestions subsequently as a basis for the resumption of work, but without results.
I understand that the chairman of Córas Iompair Éireann is at all times ready to meet representatives of the trade unions concerned to see whether a basis for a settlement can be found.
Would the Minister, if he were satisfied that the utilisation of these substances and the adoption of this new process is uneconomic in its results, be prepared to suggest to Córas Iompair Éireann that the use of plastic rock should be discontinued?
Certainly not. I have no information to support the suggestion made by the Deputy that it is either unsuitable or uneconomic. On the contrary, my information is that it is very suitable and that it is very economic.
Mr. Byrne
Would the Minister agree to meet Deputy Lehane and myself some time after questions?
On the merits of this strike—no. This is a matter between the unions and the company.
Mr. Byrne
Even with a view to finding some solution to an early settlement, would it not be well that the Minister should meet all parties concerned, including Deputies who have shown interest in the matter?
The Minister ought not to be expected to intervene in any or every strike that takes place in this country.
Would the Minister be influenced in any way in his attitude if factual information is put before him, from the observation of skilled vehicle builders, to the effect that plastic rock is not economic, is not durable and is not as satisfactory as the traditional method of finishing buses?
It is not a matter for me. It is one for the company and its officers. I am not competent to judge as to the relative merits of plastic rock or any other material. I am not so sure that vehicle builders have any special knowledge of the qualities of plastic rock. If they have, I do not know where they got it.