asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether two employees of Córas Iompair Éireann were released from their employment some time ago, the nature of their work and where they were employed, the purpose of releasing them, the conditions as to pay and pension rights on which they were freed from work; and, further, whether these two men have since been recalled to their employment and, if not, is it the intention to recall them and if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Córas Iompair Éireann Employees.
The relevant Transport Acts provide that the conditions of service of railway and road transport employees of Córas Iompair Éireann shall be regulated in accordance with agreements made, or to be made, between the trade unions representative of such employees and Córas Iompair Éireann. I have, accordingly, no function in this matter.
Is the position, then, that this House is not entitled to receive information on such matters as those referred to in the question, although this is a nationalised concern, heavily subsidised from the taxpayers' money?
The Deputy is no doubt aware that under a section of the 1950 Transport Act the House is entitled to general information, but matters of day-to-day administration do not come within that category. This matter is one which concerns more the trade unions and Córas Iompair Éireann.
In what way, will the Parliamentary Secretary say, is a Deputy anxious to obtain information on such matters to get that information for his own benefit and for the benefit of the community at large?
If the Deputy applies to Córas Iompair Éireann, they might facilitate him.
I have no right, as a Deputy, to approach the management of Córas Iompair Éireann for that information and how am I to get it?
I do not think the Deputy would be so bashful that he would not be able to approach them.
I want——
If the Parliamentary Secretary says he has no function in the matter——
The Parliamentary Secretary has admitted that the 1950 Act provides that information of a certain type can be given to Deputies in this House, when sought.
Yes, but not matters of daily administration.
Am I to take it that this is an attempt to prevent me from obtaining information in regard to which there is considerable feeling abroad?
The Deputy can put down a motion to have the legislation changed.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether any part of the moneys paid to these men is included in the sum of £980,000 which he is asking the House to provide to meet losses and revenue charges on the operating expenses of Córas Iompair Éireann?
I could not say.
So the position is that the Parliamentary Secretary comes to this House to ask us to vote a sum of almost £1,000,000 and he knows nothing about what it is to be provided for?
That is another matter. Deputies no doubt are aware that the ordinary day-to-day administration of any company is a matter for the company itself.
I think the Parliamentary Secretary should make note of the fact that what is involved in this question is not a matter of day-to-day administration. It is a question of an arrangement made by the company to settle a trade union dispute which raises questions of public policy and which many people regard as immoral.
The Deputy, I am sure, is aware that under the legislation under which this company was established the relationship of employees and employers is governed by agreements made between the trade unions and Córas Iompair Éireann in which the Minister for Industry and Commerce has no function. That is the statutory position, and Deputies opposite understand that just as well as I do.
These men get paid for doing nothing and they will not be asked to do anything.