I have received a Private Notice Question form Deputy Eric Byrne. The matter is in order. Would the Deputy please put his question.
Private Notice Question. - Threatened CIE Strike.
asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if, in view of the hardship for commuters and the serious economic and social disruption which would be caused by the threatened CIE strike from Monday next and in respect of which formal notice has now been served, he will outline the steps he intends to take to seek a solution to the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand that the Labour Relations Commission are attempting to contact the parties to this dispute today. The Labour Relations Commission have already been in touch with CIE in the matter, who have indicated that they will respond positively to any Labour Relations Commission initiative aimed at seeking a resolution to the difficulties.
I would urge all parties involved to make the fullest use of the industrial relations procedures available.
Would the Minister agree that, equally, he could request the Irish Medical Organisation to rescind their decision not to provide medical cover to the spouses and family members of CIE workers, now provoking this dispute? Furthermore, would the Minister not agree that he could reinstate to CIE that portion of the 15 per cent subsidy he has clawed back from them which would leave CIE in a financial position to reach an acceptable agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation? CIE are claiming inability to pay because the Government have cut their subvention by 15 per cent and they are unable to meet the demands of the Irish Medical Organisation.
I understand the points the Deputy is making and if I thought it would help to comment on those issues I would do so. The Labour Relations Commission are trying to put together a further conciliation conference to take place before Sunday night when the deadline expires. It would be unhelpful for me to deal with the issues involved but I would appeal to all concerned to avoid any unnecessary hardship, particularly to the elderly and to schoolchildren on these dark mornings and evenings. I appeal to all concerned before Sunday night to come to this new conciliation conference and to try to work out a solution to this complex issue involving the medical profession, the workers and the management of CIE.
Would the Minister agree that the employees in CIE have a genuine grievance? Would he further agree that industrial relations in CIE are poor because of the poor morale among workers caused by the poor leadership which CIE are getting from the Department of Tourism and Transport in relation to their function in society?
I cannot comment on the right or wrong of the grievance. It would not be helpful for me to do so while I am asking all sides, with the Minister for Labour, to come to a conciliation conference before Sunday night so that the public can be spared a widespread breakdown in public transport services. It is not an issue I would dodge and I would be prepared to debate public transport on any occasion. It would not be helpful now, given the complexity of the issue to comment on whether any party have a grievance. The Deputy does not expect me to admit that there is any lack of leadership from the Department of Tourism, Transport and Communications. I maintain there is plenty of leadership.
Given the frightening prospect of a rail and bus strike in the middle of winter affecting schoolchildren, workers and commuters, would the Minister undertake that if the Labour Relations Commission fail to arrive at a satisfactory formula tomorrow he and the Minister for Labour will take some time off from other deliberations and make themselves available as intermediaries in trying to arrive at a satisfactory solution?
The Minister for Labour and I will keep in touch with the position throughout the weekend. Both of us will do everything possible to avoid what could be a difficult period for users of public transport. Given the time of year, this is not a good time to ask the public to do without public transport. I appeal, on behalf of all Members of this House, for the success of the conciliation conference.
Let private enterprise do the job.