asked the Minister for Transport and Power how many cases of redundant CIE employees are at present before the arbitrator appointed under the Transport Acts; and when a decision is expected on these cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundant CIE Employees.
31.
I am informed by CIE that the Standing Arbitrator has not yet announced his final awards in 29 of the cases submitted to him for decision under the relevant provisions of the Transport Acts. He has referred one of these cases to the High Court for decision on a point of law.
I have no function in regard to the time taken by the arbitrator to reach decisions and I cannot say when decisions may be expected.
Is it solely at the discretion of the arbitrator as to when a decision is announced?
Certainly, the Minister for Transport and Power has no authority to lay down when he should announce a decision.