asked the Minister for Labour if he will intervene in the strike of social work and child care staff at the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children with a view towards assisting in the restoration of these vital services as soon as possible.
Written Answers. - Strike at ISPCC.
72.
As the Deputy will be aware, the dispute commenced on 16 June 1987 as a result of a dismissal. The dispute was the subject of a Labour Court hearing. The court's Recommendation was rejected by management and the dispute remained deadlocked. At my request officials of my Department met the parties to appraise me of the facts of the dispute. I am therefore aware of the facts of the situation.
My colleague, Dr. O'Hanlon, TD, Minister for Health, has now requested officers of his Department to explore possible ways of finding an acceptable formula to settle the dispute.
As this process is at present under way I feel I should not comment further on the dispute at this stage. I am, like my colleague the Minister for Health, most concerned that those who avail of the services of the ISPCC should be deprived of them for such a long time and I would appeal to both sides to give their full co-operation in attempting to find a solution.
73.
asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the strike of social work and child care staff at the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children with a view towards assisting in the speedy restoration of these vital services.
As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware a full Labour Court hearing on this strike was held in July last. The subsequent Labour Court recommendation was rejected by the management of the ISPCC. My colleague, the Minister for Labour, has had a report on the situation from officials of his Department after talking to both sides. Unfortunately the strike remains deadlocked.
I am, as Minister for Health, naturally most concerned that the families and children in receipt of services from the ISPCC should continue to be deprived of these services for such a long period. In the circumstances, I have requested officers of my Department to explore every possible avenue with a view to having the strike settled at the earliest possible opportunity. This process is now in train.