asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to the statement that the Bank Officials' Association has decided to serve strike notice to take effect from 28th June, 1976; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bank Strike.
14.
Yes, my attention has been drawn to the statement. Every effort to avert the strike is being made.
Could the Minister be more specific about what is being done? The Minister has not answered my question adequately.
I am sorry if the Deputy thinks that is not an adequate answer. What does Deputy Moore want to know? He is aware of the fact that strike notice has been served, that discussions have taken place and that the strike notice is not due to expire until next Monday. Does the Deputy want to make it worse than it is?
That is not an answer. We want the Government to spell out what they are supposed to be doing.
What does Deputy Moore want the Government to do?
(Interruptions.)
Order, order. This is Question Time.
Can I have some answer to my question? The few words that the Minister has issued are not an answer.
You have got the answer.
Did the Minister see the cartoon on the back page of the Independent?
I do not have time to read the back page of the Independent.
Is the Minister aware of the serious implications which the strike would have for the Irish economy? Judging from his flippancy, I would not think he is.
I was in this House when the last strike took place and I am well aware. Deputy Fitzgerald of course was not here and was not aware of it.
That is another chapter and verse. Is the Minister aware of the serious implications this strike will have and as a result of that would the Minister answer in detail the question posed by Deputy Moore? Is the Minister also aware that the irresponsible statements by his colleague, the Minister for Finance, have aggravated an already serious situation?
Does Deputy Fitzgerald mean that the banks should give the bank officials what they are looking for and settle it that way? The statement that was made was that if the banks were preaching that nobody else should have increases then they should not be the first to give increases to their own people.
In view of the fact that the Minister in his reply to Deputy Moore's question as to what the Government are doing, appears not to have referred to the introduction of legislation which was announced by the Minister for Finance, could the Minister now indicate to the House what the Government's intentions are in regard to the legislation referred to by the Minister for Finance?
If the bank dispute is not settled by Thursday, legislation will be introduced in this House.
The Minister says if the thing is not settled by Thursday the legislation will be introduced. May we then take it that there will be no introduction of the proposed legislation in the event of a breakdown in negotiations until next week?
No, Deputy Colley may not take it that way at all. As the Deputy is aware, it is enabling legislation which could be introduced now but because of the fact that it has not reached the last ditch it was decided to introduce it on Thursday. If it is not settled by Thursday legislation will be introduced to protect the people of this country.
Could the Minister indicate the Government's intention in regard to such legislation as to how the norms in question will be arrived at?
When the legislation is before the House it will be explained in full to the Deputy.
Ceist a 15.
I should have said—the Taoiseach has reminded me—it will be taken on Thursday. It will be introduced, of course, tomorrow.
(Interruptions.)
Order. One brief question, Deputy Power.
Would the Minister let us know if it is the intention of the Government to utilise this type of legislation for other bodies whom they consider might step out of line in the future?
That is a separate question. Ceist a 15.
Is Deputy Power suggesting that it would be a good idea to do that?
I would like a reply rather than smart aleck remarks. A Cheann Comhairle, am I entitled to a reply to that question or am I not?
Order. Question No. 15.