asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of the prolonged strike in a firm (name supplied) in County Kerry involving 800 workers; if so, when he became aware of the current situation; and the efforts, if any, he has made to date to settle the strike.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Strike.
10.
I have been kept advised of the situation in this firm. Discussions between the parties to the dispute have been taking place since the commencement of industrial action. The Deputy will appreciate that in the circumstances the question of intervention did not arise.
I understand that following a meeting between management and trade union representatives on Saturday, 23rd April, a formula was agreed which will be put to the workers on Wednesday, 27th April.
There was a meeting this morning in Killarney in connection with this strike. Could the Minister say what happened at this meeting?
I do not know what happened.
It looks as if the Minister is not keeping himself up to date.
I have been involved in the House since 10.45 a.m. this morning with legislation. Does the Deputy suggest that I telegram from here to Kerry?
(Interruptions.)
Is the Minister aware that this House is completely amazed that he is not being kept informed in relation to serious industrial disputes where hundreds of workers are unemployed?
The Deputy asked me about what happened at a meeting in Kerry this morning held at the same time as I was here in this House.
Is the Minister aware that industrial relations are nonexistent as far as his Department are concerned?
That is a separate question.
Is it not a fact that the Minister is making no serious effort to have the dispute in Killarney resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned, and would he not intervene personally with a view to resolving the situation at an early date?
The Deputy seems so shocked by my remarks today that I do not see what use I would be in Killarney or anywhere else if I were to take his views. However, while I am not aware of the up-to-date position in relation to the meeting which took place in Killarney this morning, no doubt the civil servants in my Department are aware, and when I am back in my Department this afternoon having finished the legislation in the House, I will be informed what has happened in Killarney this morning. Based on that report, we can see what constructively can be done if no solution has been reached at the meeting this morning.
Would the Minister say what went wrong with the early warning system within his Department in view of the fact that his Department did not intervene to prevent the strike in Killarney from taking place? He appears to have made no effort to prevent this strike which was pending for a considerable period prior to the date this action took place.
I do not think it would be helpful nor would most employers' organisations or unions consider it helpful that my Department should intervene in every dispute wherever it occurs in the country. There are always discussions and negotiations going on and disputes breaking out. The Department of Labour intervene only when no solution is reached by the Labour Court or other agencies more appropriately working for solutions in this area.