Deputy Daly has been given permission to put a question on Private Notice to the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry.
Private Notice Question. - Regional Fishery Boards Staff Dispute.
asked the Minister if he is aware of the serious threat to inland fisheries and particularly salmon stocks by the strike of protection staff of the regional fishery boards; and the action he proposes to take to resolve the matter.
I am, of course, concerned about the industrial action referred to and its potential danger for our inland fisheries. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the dispute arose on a suggested salary scale in the context of the framing of a staff scheme for the staffs of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards as provided for in section 32 of the Fisheries Act, 1980. The regional board staff had sought parity of salaries with their counterparts in the Central Fisheries Board and, in fact, the offer made and approved by me provided for such parity. Indeed, I consider that in the present financial climate the proposed salary scales represented a very genuine and generous offer and I regret that it was rejected by a majority and industrial action taken. Even at this late stage I would hope that the staff concerned would reconsider their position.
The Minister of State will be aware already of the inadequate financial resources, of staff shortages and, indeed, of the total lack of adequate facilities which the board have. Already there is a very serious threat to stocks, especially salmon stocks. Is he also aware that this further action is now in danger of causing the collapse of the whole industry? Estimates have been quoted in excess of £20 million. The Minister will be further aware that the Department have already conceded the parity issue and that what is really the issue here is a detail, that people who have been granted parity will get some recognition——
A question, Deputy, please.
——for their service, to enable them to have salaries comparable with those in the Central Fisheries Board. Is the Minister prepared to bring about the resumption of conciliation talks which took place and ensure that a satisfactory solution to this detail will be found?
This dispute is with the Central Fisheries Board and not with my Department. As I said, we have agreed to parity, which was a reasonable offer, particularly in the present financial position. The Deputy is asking me to initiate discussions. I have been in contact with the Central Fisheries Board this morning and am appealing to both sides to sit around the table and have discussions. As I say, we are not the people involved, the people involved being the Central Fisheries Board.
Would the Minister of State ask the Labour Court to intervene now in the dispute to bring about a speedy settlement and will he acknowledge that this can be done? The issue now is not a major one, but a detail. The main issue has been resolved.
The Deputy should put a question.
The conciliation officer of the Labour Court has been already involved in discussions but, unfortunately, these were not fruitful. He was involved with both parties prior to this action being taken. If it can help, or offer a solution, I shall certainly contact the Labour Court and ask them to intervene again.