Vol. 223 No. 4
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of a report that there are fears that two of the nation's three paper mills may go out of production permanently; and what steps he intends to take in the matter, bearing in mind the effect on employment and the economy if these mills were to shut down.
22.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the present position in relation to the paper mills dispute.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together.
Discussions, involving the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the employers, the workers and the conciliation service of the Labour Court, have been in progress over the past few days and I am hopeful that they will lead to a settlement of this dispute.
I, too, am hopeful of a settlement but that is not the answer to my question. I asked was it stated by the employers that if the workers would not accept conditions laid down by them, they would close a national industry. Is the Minister aware of that?
I am not aware of any such statement.
Assuming I produce proof of it, what will the Minister do about it? Nothing?
No prompting.
We all wish to see this settled.
I assume the Deputy means the dispute is causing a situation which may lead to unemployment? At the moment discussions are in progress under the machinery available.
The employers have said: "Unless you accept our conditions, there will be no paper made in this country any more."
As the Deputy is aware, there was some difficulty about the mechanics of putting down this question which made it appear unexpectedly on the Order Paper today. If he wants a full assessment of the possibilities of survival of a mill and the effect of this dispute on it, I would be prepared to give him that if he puts down another question. If the Deputy is looking for information as distinct from information regarding the discussions——
I am not looking for information about the discussions; I am concerned for the future of the industry.
If the Deputy gives me advance notice of the question, I will get a full account for him in regard to the possible effects of the dispute.
In view of the fact that this dispute directly affects some 1,500 workers in three mills, two in Dublin and one in Waterford, and in view of the fact that its ramifications can be said to be endless, will the Minister keep a close eye on the situation so that the negotiations which are now under way will continue? Will he do whatever he can, if the opportunity presents itself, to push the negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion?
The Minister is aware of the repercussions of this dispute on allied industries and would he be prepared to investigate the allegation or inference that there has been a threat by the employers that if a certain award is not accepted, the paper mills will be closed down? There is a suggestion, and the Minister will know more about that than I do, that at least one of these factories has been assisted to some considerable extent by way of grants or loans, or both.
Are discussions taking place today?
There are discussions in progress and the Deputy will appreciate my reluctance to discuss——
Oh, the Government would never interfere while discussions are taking place between workers and employers. We know that from last week.
I do not think the Parties would like any interference with the progress of free negotiations when they are taking place. Deputy Kyne could table his question next week.
Could the Minister say what are the controlling interests in this particular company in so far as it is alleged to be a semi-State company, as many shareholders are absentees completely divorced from the dispute?
I was not aware of the allegation that this was a semi-State company.
I want to remind the Minister that I asked him if he would keep a close eye on the situation because of its seriousness. Will he keep in mind all the time the responsibility which naturally devolves upon him to push wherever the opportunity presents itself for a solution which will be satisfactory to the employees, who, after all, are the main consideration in this industry?
The Deputy will be aware that free negotiations may solve this dispute and intervention by the State may not be welcomed.
At this stage, I agree.
