andMr. L. Belton asked the Minister for Labour whether he is aware of a trade dispute in a firm (name supplied); and whether the conciliation services of the Labour Court have taken any action to resolve the dispute.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Disputes.
35.
Mr. P. Belton
The subject matter of this dispute was investigated by the Labour Court early this year. Subsequently a conciliation conference was held and at present the Conciliation Service of the Court is in touch with the parties concerned with a view to arranging further discussions.
Is the Minister aware of the serious danger of this dispute being aggravated because an ESB worker passed the picket when delivering goods to this firm and will he ensure that there will not be a repetition of this?
It is really a very difficult question. The Deputy is asking me to direct a worker not to pass a picket?
Yes, seeing that this is a semi-State body. Would he think it worthwhile to issue a circular to employees of semi-State bodies because of the serious situation which may arise if there is a repetition?
I realise a serious situation could arise but I can tell the Deputy from my own experience the particular semi-State body have no control over whether their employees pass pickets or not and I do not think they could influence them.