Vol. 420 No. 7
43 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the matters discussed at his meeting with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on 25 May regarding the postal dispute; if he will now give his assessment of the prospects of a settlement to the dispute; if he intends to take any new initiative to help secure a settlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
81 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Labour if he intends taking any steps to bring about the resolution of the postal dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 81 together.
At meetings with ICTU there was an exchange of views on the dispute and how the industrial relations machinery could be used to bring about a speedy resolution of the dispute.
Following long and detailed negotiations the Labour Relations Commission put forward proposals to both parties in order to assist in resolving the impasse and in bringing about a return to normal working in An Post. The proposals have been accepted by the management of An Post and are being balloted on by members of the Communications Workers' Union with a recommendation for acceptance. The Communications Managers' Union are to consider the proposals tomorrow. I am hopeful that normal working will be resumed next week.
