This morning I gave notice of my intention to raise, by way of Private Notice Question, the matter of the Cork grocery dispute. It is of considerable importance and it is causing grave hardship in the city.
Private Notice Question. - Cork Grocery Dispute.
Would the Deputy read the question?
To ask the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received an offer from the Cork grocery employees through the Cork Workers' Council in which they undertake to provide the necessary labour and distribution centre, without profit to themselves, in making tea, sugar and butter available to the public subject to the Minister's approval and the supply of temporary ration cards for the purpose; and whether, in view of the acute hardship being experienced in the city, he is prepared to accept the offer and make the necessary arrangements.
The answer to the first part of the question is "yes." I have not previously received any representation that acute hardship is being experienced in Cork City through difficulty in securing rations of tea, sugar and butter. The offer to which the Deputy refers was not received until to-day and it raises considerations of importance which require examination. Consequently, I am not in a position at present to say what action will be taken.
Postpone it for six months.
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, in which he has indicated that he was not aware of any acute hardship, is he aware that off-the-ration tea and sugar is now being purchased by poor people in Cork in order to supplement supplies, and that creamery butter is not available off the ration at any price? That, in itself, is causing particularly grave hardship to poor people. Will the Parliamentary Secretary further consider the possibility of supplying emergency coupons and of ensuring adequate supplies so that this generous offer of the employee can be met?
If the people who are buying off-the-ration tea and sugar at the present time return their coupons after the strike, will the Minister see that they are recouped the difference?
That is a separate question.
If Deputies had listened to my reply they would have learned that I said I had not received any representations until the Deputy's question to-day. The offer which was received by letter this morning is being examined. As it raises a number of questions which will have to be considered I am not at present in a position to say what action will be taken.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary at least give an assurance that this matter will not be put on the long finger and that action will be taken in a few days?
Nothing that this Government has anything to do with will be put on the long finger.