asked the Minister for Finance what progress has been made towards a settlement in the present dispute between the Office of Public Works and its maintenance employees; and if he will ensure that the position is not worsened by allowing persons other than the operatives on strike to maintain heating facilities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Board of Works Dispute.
18.
Mr. O'Leary
No progress has been made towards a settlement of this dispute.
I would deprecate any action which might worsen the position, but I do not think that a refusal to allow occupying staffs to make whatever use they can of heating installations in their offices would serve any purpose.
Mr. O'Leary
I did not hear the last part of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply but what I am worried about is that I understand some higher civil servants are keeping the heating installations going in some offices and that would not help to settle the dispute.
My reply dealt with that matter, but as the Deputy says he did not hear it, I will repeat the relevant part: "I would deprecate any action which might worsen the position, but I do not think that a refusal to allow occupying staffs to make whatever use they can of heating installations in their offices would serve any purpose".