asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that some traffic lights have been erected in the Cork area for more than a year but are not yet operational due to an industrial dispute; and the steps he has taken to end this dispute so that these traffic lights may become operational.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Traffic Lights.
13.
This is an interunion dispute. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions are in touch with the two unions concerned in an effort to settle the dispute through the procedures established by congress. I am satisfied that congress is doing everything possible to find a solution to the dispute.
Would the Minister give us an indication of when this dispute will be amicably settled? Further, is he aware there have been a number of accidents at some of these junctions where traffic lights have been erected but are not working?
As the Deputy is aware, one does not bring nearer the end of a dispute by predicting when it will end; in fact, it may postpone termination of the dispute. I am not aware accidents have occurred but I am aware it is a serious situation where repair and maintenance of traffic lights in Cork are held up because of a dispute between two unions. The responsible body involved, the Congress of Trade Unions, are attempting to mediate and to see if a solution can be found.