Ta tráth na gCeist thart. Thug me cead don Teachta Lyons a cheist a chur ar fógra speisialta don Aire Saothair. Ba cheart don Teachta an cheist a léamh amach.
Private Notice Question. - Cork Corporation Industrial Dispute.
asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of the serious situation arising from the industrial dispute in Cork Corporation; and the action he proposes to take in the matter, especially to ensure the resumption of talks.
As the Deputy will be aware, the talks between the parties to this dispute under a mediator appointed by the steering committee of the Employer-Labour Conference were not successful. The mediator on behalf of the parties has reported back to the steering committee and they are considering this report.
Would the Minister agree that, following the breakdown of these talks, an escalation of the dispute is most likely? Is he aware that a meeting has begun in Cork this afternoon to have the all-out picket which was granted by Congress 12 days ago activated? What action is he proposing to take to ensure that talks are begun in view of the serious turn of events?
On previous occasions I have indicated to this House that I believe it is my responsibility as Minister for Labour to ensure that the institutions for industrial relations and the mediation and conciliation process built into those institutions are utilised to the full. I must point out to the House that in this instance the Cork dispute cannot be seen in isolation from the rest of the country. Any consequential solution or resolution to the dispute, which is confined locally to the city of Cork, has a national dimension. I am aware of the current up to date position in Cork. I assure the Deputy that I share his concern and the concern of all the Deputies from Cork city who have been in touch with me, including the Lord Mayor in a very recent telephone call. My desire is that the talks should resume and that a solution be found. I believe a solution can be found within the context of the framework that will be acceptable to both sides.
The merits and demerits of the case are not to be debated here in this Chamber. I ask the Minister, in view of the likelihood of an escalation of the dispute, to personally see to it that the action required by him to ensure that that escalation does not occur is taken. That is the most important aspect of this dispute at this time, taking into account messages the Minister has received from other members of his own party and the fact that the Labour Party Conference could not go ahead. I am not so concerned about those matters. I am concerned about the effects of the current strike and its escalation on Cork. I am asking the Minister personally to ensure that talks are resumed and this dispute is settled.
I understand and share the Deputy's concern. During my time as Minister for Labour I sought to ensure that this House did not become embroiled in the conduct of individual industrial disputes. I appreciate the positive constructive co-operation which I have received not only from the official spokesman for Fianna Fáil on this matter but from individual Deputies. The Deputy will, therefore, realise that while I take note of his concern, any indication I might give as to what action I might take could be seen either as weakening or strengthening the hand of one or other of the bodies involved. If the Deputy will be prepared to accept my bona fides, that I am aware of his personal concern and that he has raised this matter successfully in this House, he can be assured that the resources of the Department of Labour and the institutions under my responsibility will be fully available to both sides to find a satisfactory solution to this problem which is causing a lot of hardship to the citizens of Cork.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment the serious issue of large-scale lay-offs in forestry, particularly in the south.
Beidh me ag caint leis an Teachta. Tá Aire lascaigh Newfoundland, an tUas. Tom Rydout, i láthair i nGealairí na gCuairteóirí Cáiliúla sa Dáil. Ina theannta tá beirt chomhalta eile ó Theach na dTionól Newfoundland. Thar ceann na Dála is mian liom fáilte ó chroí a chur rompu.