asked the Minister for Health if in view of the increase in hardship and inconvenience being suffered by patients and the growing possibility that some patients may die as a result of the radiographers' dispute, the plans he has for securing a resolution of the dispute as a matter of extreme urgency.
Private Notice Question. - Radiographers' Dispute.
As I have already made clear on a number of occasions, I believe that the well-established negotiation machinery should be used for the resolution of this dispute. The Deputy will be aware that the steering committee of the Employer-Labour Conference is meeting right now to consider what action it might take to help resolve the dispute.
I hope that this intervention will bring an early and satisfactory end to this very difficult dispute.
Since taking office, has the Minister held any discussions with either party to this dispute?
No, I have not held discussions with either party to this dispute. As I have said on a number of occasions, I believe that the well-established negotiation machinery should be used. I should like to see the management and unions coming back to the Employer Labour Conference and see the dispute settled in that way.
Has the Minister any proposals, or are there any proposals emanating from his Department, in the event of the continued failure of the parties to settle this dispute which has gone on now for many weeks? It is extremely urgent — as I said in my question — and the parties seem to be very far apart. In the event of the dispute continuing might I ask the Minister to become involved personally and seek to bring about a resolution.
I am monitoring the situation daily, keeping an eye on it. Indeed, in relation to the emergency services, I am not satisfied that there is sufficient cover for emergencies at present. I would hope that today's meeting would be productive.
I share the Minister's view in relation to the emergency services. It is quite appalling that we do not have a satisfactory emergency service available to patients, many of whom are in need of serious treatment. Might I ask the Minister, in relation to the emergency treatment, that he would use his good office, as Minister for Health, to try to get a proper emergency service for many patients who are in dire need.
The unions have been requested to have the arrangements assessed for adequacy by an independent medical third party. Before the strike commenced they refused to do that. I would hope that even at this stage they would reconsider that.
Would the Minister take steps through his own office to ensure that the emergency service is brought to an adequate standard, that he take steps to ensure that that happens.
As Minister I am very concerned about the situation. If members of the unions withdraw their services or if they are not prepared to provide the necessary level of emergency service then I shall have to look at what is the position but in view of the fact that the steering committee of the Employer-Labour Conference are meeting at present I believe I should not say anything that might exacerbate the strike in any way.