Vol. 223 No. 1
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the latest statement of the Federation of Trade Associations referring to the serious effect of the bank strike on the distributive trade, he will now make an appeal to the parties in dispute to recommence negotiations.
47.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he intends to take any action in the bank strike; and, if so, when.
48.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the acute disturbance of commercial activity caused by the bank strike; and what steps, if any, are being taken by him to bring the parties together for conciliation.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 47 and 48 together.
On 17th May last I answered similar questions about the bank strike. I explained that the banks and their officials have a Joint Industrial Council the constitution of which sets out their own agreed procedures for resolving disputes. The Chairman of the Joint Industrial Council is a Conciliation Officer of the Labour Court. As Deputies are aware, he has arranged meetings with both sides.
There is no suggestion by the Minister that he will introduce legislation to fine this trade union if they refuse to accept the award?
Is the Deputy comparing banking with some other service?
Yes.
The Deputy will have plenty of time to make that comparison.
Is there any truth in the rumour that the Government advised the bank directors that, as far as they were concerned as a Government, the bank strike would not be a matter of worry to them; it would, in fact, be a help?
The Deputy can continue to deny that rumour.
It is generally believed.
