asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement regarding the dispute involving the Land Project officers of his Department; if he considers that this dispute will hold up important drainage works urgently required by numerous farmers; and if he will take steps to have the dispute ended to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Project Officers.
122.
I issued a detailed statement in this matter on 8th September, a copy of which I am sending to the Deputy.
I pointed out in the statement that a conciliation council agreement on the grading of all agricultural officers was reached in July between the departmental management and staff; that the Land Project supervisors dissociated themselves from the agreement of the Institute of Professional Civil Servants on behalf of all the staff; and that press reports suggesting a dispute between the Land Project supervisors and my Department were not, therefore, correct.
I see no reason for any hold-up of important drainage works arising from this matter.
Would the Minister agree that the settlement of this difficulty, which undoubtedly there is, might be assisted by the setting up of an independent inquiry into the matter?
I do not think so, because this particular revision of the grouping of agricultural inspectors has gone on over quite a long period. Most minute examinations have been made of the implications of this regrouping, and I do not think that a new inquiry would turn up any new information.