I wish to ask the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the steps he is taking to end the work-to-rule by fishery protection officers which is endangering the country's inland fisheries stocks.
Private Notice Question. - Fishery Protection Officers' Work-to-Rule.
I have authorised the Central Fisheries Board to make an improved offer of an unsocial hours allowance to the unions representing the fishery protection officers employed by the regional fisheries boards. This offer was conveyed to the unions last Monday. The proposed increased allowance will apply pending agreement on the staff scheme provided for in section 32 of the Fisheries Act, 1980, a draft of which was circulated last month to the unions concerned.
I am fully committed to the early introduction of this staff scheme which will provide for the future staff structure and conditions of employment in the fishery boards.
Will the Minister state if there has been any response to his new offer and, if not, will he state when he expects a response?
I expected a response by Friday to the new offer but we have not got it yet. I wish to take this opportunity to appeal to the fishery officers to return to normal working conditions pending the outcome of discussions between the Central Fisheries Board and the unions, especially in view of the fact that a new staff scheme has been circulated to the unions for discussion with a view to having a new scheme for fishery officers generally.
I wish the Minister the best of luck.
Will the Minister state the cost of the offer to the workers?
At this stage I would prefer to await the outcome before going into detailed costs. We have had certain discussions that have been fruitful and I hope we can get this matter finalised.
Surely the Minister knows the cost? He would not make an offer without knowing the cost. Does the Minister for the Public Service approve of the offer?
The Minister for the Public Service has approved the revised offer. We had discussions with the Department of the Public Service and they have approved the revised offer.
But the Minister does not know the cost?