I am aware that the Minister met the representatives of the various unions today. I am not aware of the outcome of those discussions. I hope they will put an end to the present conflict by obtaining a willingness from both sections to come to an early agreement.
On radio and television today the Minister painted a very depressing picture. There is grave public disquiet because of the flippant manner in which the Government have treated this dispute. Efforts have been made to bring it to an end, but not in a serious way. Many people have to walk to work. Shopkeepers in the centre of the city are on the point of closing. Jobs are at risk. Many trade unionists are on, or about to go on, short time. Dublin workers are complaining because they are losing money as a result of "lates" and short time and because there is no alternative transport. As I said, this is a very depressing situation.
This Dublin Government should be close to the people of this city but their actions and statements show that they are far removed from the realities of the situation. The blame lies squarely on the shoulders of many Ministers. I am glad to see the Minister for Transport and Power here because he and CIE have a responsibility for the bus strike and they cannot divorce themselves from this responsibility.
The impression was created that the Minister did a disservice to his union, and that the union was embarrassed by the lackadaisical manner in which he acted. The fact that he is a member of a union has given rise to the suggestion that he is biased when taking action in relation to the position as he sees it from his union's point of view, as distinct from the point of view of a Minister.
This is an inter-union dispute. Such disputes are not settled in the normal course; therefore, the action taken to settle them differs from the normal course of action. The Minister can be relied on to make certain suggestions with a view to settlement. He must face up to these difficulties because that is what he is paid for. When in Opposition he had a cure for every ailment, from bald heads to bunions. Now that he is in Government the situation is different.
The workers of the city cannot afford to suffer much longer. Action must be taken. We realise the difficulties which exist with regard to the provision of Army transport. The Government should give some consideration to providing alternative transport for workers living on the perimeters of the city and some distance from their places of employment. Alternative transport must be provided if they are not to lose money because of "lates" or short time.
The Minister for Local Government spoke today about one of the many strikes in operation at the moment. Because the bus strike was the result of an inter-union dispute the Minister tried to brush it aside. I sympathise with him because I know the difficulties he faces in trying to find a solution to a dispute of this kind. Consideration must be given to the overall position. On previous occasions Army lorries provided a commuter service. The security situation must be kept under review. If transport by Army lorries from the perimeter areas to the central areas are provided, this will ensure that life in Dublin will be maintained, jobs are secure and the people at risk at the moment will find themselves in a happier position.
This dispute must be solved by consultation, assistance and advice. There are principles involved and they must be respected. The only thing to which the people can look forward as a result of this strike is an increase in fares. Because of the strike substantial losses have been incurred.