asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is prepared to take steps to bring about a settlement of the strike of electricians in the employment of Córas Iompair Éireann.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricians' Strike—Córas Iompair Éireann.
I do not know what steps the Deputy considers I could take which would bring about a settlement in the dispute between Córas Iompair Éireann and the Electrical Trades Union.
If he has in mind that I should give a direction to Córas Iompair Éireann to concede the wage rates proposed by the union, I must point out that, under the provisions of the Transport Act, 1950, I have no function in the management of Córas Iompair Éireann and no power to give a direction in a matter of this kind.
If he has in mind that I should compel the trade union to abide by the Labour Court's recommendation, I have no power to do so, and do not intend to seek such power.
If the Deputy considers that a meeting between the board and the trade union would lead to an agreement I have no reason to think that such a meeting cannot be arranged. I understand that recently the chairman and deputy-chairman of the Labour Court have held informal meetings with the representatives of the board and of the union in an endeavour to find some basis for agreement and, although no result has so far ensued from these meetings, I am sure that the effort will be immediately resumed at the request of either party.
Would the Minister be prepared to summon a conference of the unions concerned and of representatives of the Board of Córas Iompair Éireann with a view to effecting a settlement?
I am very anxious that this dispute should end. The Deputy will appreciate that the summoning of a conference by the Minister would represent a very considerable change of policy. My policy in this matter is the same as that of my predecessor. It is undesirable that the Minister for Industry and Commerce should set himself up as anything in the nature of a court of appeal from the Labour Court. In this particular case, a different view is held between two parties. It may be possible to have that view reconciled at a conference. If that is so, a conference can be arranged.
Would the Minister suggest that a conference should be arranged?
I have received this morning a communication from the Congress of Irish Unions in this matter, which I have not yet had time to consider.