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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Apr 1976

Vol. 289 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Docks Redundancy.

15.

asked the Minister for Labour if he has been approached in relation to redundancy, voluntary or otherwise, in the Dublin Docks: the proposals, if any, when discussions were held; and the number of workers involved.

Yes. I will be meeting a delegation from the trade union representing deep sea dockers and checkers later this week to discuss the problem.

Could the Minister tell us how many men will be affected? Will there be 250 dockers and checkers affected by the layoff?

As the Deputy knows, a dispute was threatened last summer and I met both sides on that occasion. A scheme was drawn up which later, on the basis of the settlement, was ratified by the Labour Court. The workforce was 564 dockers and 112 checkers. On the occasion of this meeting we will be concerned with the stevedores. The suggestion is the workforce should be cut by one-third. I would prefer not to go into specific details as to what the results of the meeting might be.

Does the Minister know of any proposals to increase employment in order to prevent further redundancies?

That is a very large question. Trade has decreased because of the recession and the question as to what measures may be taken by the port authorities and the stevedores does not come within the scope of this particular question.

Surely the Minister can give some hope to the dockers. Surely he is interested at least in a greater volume of trade through the port.

That is a separate question.

I am concerned only with my powers under my own ministry and my ministry is not responsible in this particular matter but I am prepared to seek information for the Deputy. I am just as anxious as anybody else to lessen any unease that may exist.

The Minister demonstrates once again his incompetence in the job he holds.

I wish the Deputy would wake up to the difference between one Department and another.

There is a very rude awakening awaiting the Minister.

In relation to the one-third reduction, can we be assured these men will get redundancy payments? Is the money available to make such payments?

The Deputy can be assured that, as in the past, I shall do everything in my power to get a suitable agreement between the stevedores and the dockers and checkers.

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