asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the breakdown of the national pay talks, he will tell the House what action the Government propose to take now?
Private Notice Question. - National Pay Talks.
I understand that, following the meeting yesterday of the Employer-Labour Conference, both sides are reporting back to their respective principals. The matter is now one of consideration by the principals. I understand that both the ICTU and the FUE are having meetings to discuss the matter.
In view of the reported meeting between the ICTU and the Government on Thursday, will the Taoiseach state if it will be one of the subjects discussed at that meeting? If so, what attitude will the Government take?
That meeting was arranged for a somewhat different purpose. I cannot pre-empt what may be raised at any meeting. The meeting has a specific agenda for a different purpose.
Surely the Taoiseach is not saying that this is not a most important aspect of the whole industrial programme and of the plan for the remainder of this year and for next year? If such a meeting is taking place and if the matter is raised, it is understandable that the Government would be considering what attitude would be taken.
I wish to make it clear that the Government as such do not wish to intervene in the procedures of the Employer-Labour Conference. At the moment the two sides are considering their positions and it would be quite wrong of the Government to intervene. Of course, the Government as an employer is represented among employers, but Government intervention as such would be quite inappropriate.
I asked in my original question and I repeat it now, in view of the reported breakdown and if there are not renewed negotiations, will the Taoiseach state what are the Government's proposals, or have they thought about any proposals?
It would be premature and potentially damaging for the Government at this point to make any statement of their intentions.
Obviously I am to take it from the Taoiseach's reply and from what has been said in this House today that the Taoiseach and the Government have not yet applied themselves to the real problems of the economy.
We have been doing nothing else in the past three-and-a-half months but applying ourselves to the problems Fianna Fáil left behind them.
Fianna Fáil would love to crucify us for their sins.