(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Labour if his Department have examined the full implications of Labour Court recommendation No. 6531 of 29 July 1981 in regard to the employment of certain CIE staff.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Staff Employment.
4.
I am aware of the contents of Labour Court recommendation No. 6531. However, the Deputy will appreciate that the Labour Court is an independent statutory body and that it would be inappropriate for me to comment publicly on the details of any particular recommendation by the court. The issues raised by recommendation No. 6531 are primarily a matter for consideration by the parties directly concerned.
(Limerick East): Is the Minister aware that CIE informed the clerical staff on 27 October 1981 that salaried staff would now be included in protective notices? Is the Minister aware that under sections 5 and 7 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act such staff are designated as being in exempted employment and, consequently, have no protection under PRSI? Is the Minister aware that a serious industrial situation now pertains on foot of this Labour Court recommendation?
I am aware of the first two points made by the Deputy. The third point on the industrial relations front could be regarded as speculative and I would not agree with his views. I do not think it would be in the interests of the institution that is the Labour Court for me to comment on a recommendation by that independent body. I take cognisance of what the Deputy has said but the issues referred to by the Labour Court are a matter for consideration and discussion by the parties directly concerned. The Deputy referred to a Social Welfare Act but that is primarily a matter for the Minister for Social Welfare. Aspects in relation to CIE are covered by the Minister for Transport. They are all matters for discussion between the parties.
(Limerick East): I did not ask the Minister to comment on recommendation No. 6531 of 29 July. Does the Minister realise the difficult labour problem which could arise out of this? Will the Minister take action to prevent a serious situation arising following that Labour Court recommendation?
Obviously, I am concerned to ensure that possible flash points are protected. It is not always easy, as the Deputy is aware. There is speculation in what the Deputy is suggesting and primarily these are matters for discussion between the management of CIE and the unions concerned.
(Limerick East): Will the Minister use his influence to bring this unsatisfactory situation to a favourable conclusion? Is the Minister's role not equivalent to that of a person who should act to prevent industrial problems rather than acting as a fire brigade when such events occur?
My role is to endeavour to prevent difficulties arising but that does not mean that we must all agree on what is the right way to prevent those difficulties arising. I should like to repeat that primarily this matter is something for negotiation between the parties. I shall of course, as Minister for Labour, be keeping an eye on this and any such issue that arises.
(Limerick East): Would the Minister use the influence of his high office to ensure that progress is made in these negotiations? Since they began in the middle of July, very little progress has been made, as the Minister is probably aware.
I have been in this office for only three weeks of the period since July last. It is not my fault that progress has not been made. All I can say is that I shall be keeping an eye on the situation.
The Minister will be able to do funny things.