asked the Minister for Labour if the Labour Court will intervene in the Waterford dock strike; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Waterford Dock Strike.
737.
As I informed the Deputy by letter some weeks ago, this dispute has proved very difficult to resolve. Efforts have been made over the past four years to try to solve the industrial relations difficulties at the port. In 1981, a rights commissioner conducted an investigation into the dispute but without success. Subsequent efforts at local level also failed to resolve the impasse.
During the past 12 months a rights commissioner, acting in a personal capacity, has had exhaustive discussions with the parties concerned. I understand that it is his view that no useful purpose could be served by his continued intervention in the dispute.
For further progress to be made, the parties to the dispute will have to show a resolve to move from entrenched positions so that a compromise can be found. From the information available to me, I must conclude that a further initiative by a further third party at this stage would have no prospect of success. I am, however, keeping in constant touch with the situation.