asked the Minister for Lands if the tribunal to fix wages for forestry workers has yet been set up; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Workers' Wage Tribunal.
66.
I am not yet in a position to add anything to my reply to a similar inquiry by the Deputy of 7th December last.
Is the Minister not aware that an assurance was given by his officials when the bonus scheme for forestry workers was introduced that as soon as every forest was operating the bonus scheme, this tribunal would be set up, and in view of the fact that it is now over 12 months since the last of the forests started working the bonus scheme, will he tell the House why no move has been made to set up the tribunal?
The simple answer is that, in practice, it turned out there was no great demand for it from the unions concerned. The matter is being considered but the need for it did not appear to be badly felt by the negotiating bodies.
Is the Minister not aware that the trade unions have been dunning his Department with requests to have this tribunal set up as promised, and further, would he say where he got the information that there was no demand for it?
I am well aware of the unions' requests and the Deputy's representations but very few of them were directed towards this end.
Question No. 67.
Does the Minister now say that requests have not been made by the trade unions to his Department to have this tribunal set up?
I did not want to convey that to the Deputy. What I wished to convey to the Deputy was that while this was mentioned, it was not, shall I say, pursued vigorously at any stage.
When does the Minister take the trade unions seriously?
Mr. Ryan
He wants a strike.
The business of the trade unions should be left to the trade unions.
In view of the fact that the officers of the Department cannot give an answer to this or have not been prepared to give an answer to it, will the Minister say in what other way can we raise it except in the House?
As I say, it is under consideration.