It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 4 and 13. There will be no Private Members Business.
Order of Business.
In view of the grave consequences for the country of the continuance of the present industrial dispute, might I inquire from the Taoiseach whether he will consider convening a meeting of employers and trade unions to review the position as a matter of urgency?
The Minister for Labour is in constant contact with the parties concerned. The process of negotiation has not yet been fully pursued. This process is still open and it is better to leave it at that for the moment.
Would the Taoiseach not agree with me and with the Leader of the Opposition that it is a matter of vital urgency to communicate to the public that if the House decides not to debate this as a matter of urgency it is because, in the judgment of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Labour, the probable prospect of industrial peace can best be served by forbearance on the part of this House at this time; but, at the same time, if the position desired by all is not arrived at, the matter will be fully discussed in this House at an appropriate time which will not be unduly delayed?
I agree that forbearance at this time is wiser than that the House should debate the dispute. If it appeared to be conducive to a settlement of the dispute at a later stage that the House should discuss it then I certainly would consider that favourably.
And the lack of a discussion does not in any way lessen our concern at the situation?
On the contrary, I think discussing it now might worsen the situation.
Perhaps the Taoiseach or the Leader of the Opposition might care to say what he means by discussion? Is it perhaps that we should bring this matter in and discuss it, or has somebody at the back of his mind legislation such as we had in relation to the ESB?
If somebody has a solution to offer it might be useful.
If he has he can use it outside rather than bring it in here to antagonise everybody.
It is established that it is not expedient to discuss it here at the moment. That is fine, as long as we all agree that if the necessity should arise we are ready and willing to undertake it.