asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the action he proposes to take to safeguard inland fisheries in the event of industrial action being taken by fishery waterkeepers employed by the regional fishery boards.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Inland Fisheries.
8.
I am very pleased to say that the fisheries protection staff employed by the regional fisheries boards resumed duty on Monday, 28 May 1984.
The Minister will be aware that this question was tabled some months ago before the strike took place. There is now a further threat of industrial action arising from the same grievance. What action does the Minister propose to take to avoid a strike and to deal with the grievance?
I understand that there is some question about the acceptability of the offer made despite the fact that it was voted on and accepted by the overall membership of the union. I see no reason why there should be any further trouble. Staff members of the regional boards have now got parity with their counterparts in the Central Fisheries Board. The terms of agreement were such that they should be acceptable. I do not propose to become involved in this dispute beyond saying that it is a matter for the Central Fisheries Board who represent them in relation to such matters.
Who are now an extension of the Fine Gael Party.
There is still the possibility of industrial action which would be damaging to the industry if it took place. In view of the fact that there are many people who are not satisfied with the previous settlement will the Minister ask the Labour Court to look at the matter again? Even though they have got parity there is difficulty because of the point of entry and many people might be worse off under the new arrangements. They seem to have a genuine grievance. Will the Minister ensure that this industrial action will not take place?
We are talking about the threat of industrial action. A democratic vote has been taken. An answer was given. I accept the threat exists but I hope it will not come to a stage where industrial action will be taken.
The threat exists because of the grievance. It is not a major problem but one that can be resolved quite easily. It is possible, now that the principle has been resolved, that the main points of detail can be resolved.
The Deputy can be assured that I am keeping in close touch with the situation. Anything I say here might not help to avoid confrontation or industrial action in due course so we had better leave it at that.