Vol. 444 No. 2
7 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has withheld his agreement to a productivity deal for electricians in the ESB negotiated by management and unions; if so, the reason he has withheld his approval; if he will sanction the agreement in view of the implications of a refusal for industrial relations in the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have conveyed my agreement to the management of the ESB of their proposed pay agreement with the ESB electricians' union TEEU. I understand that the union is currently balloting its members with a recommendation for acceptance of the proposals and a result is expected later this month.
When did the Minister convey his agreement to the management of the ESB?
I cannot give the Deputy the exact date but I will provide it in due course.
Did he convey his agreement after this question was tabled?
That is not the position.
If it was, he would not tell us.
I can assure the Deputy that anything I do in the Department is not at the behest of Democratic Left.
The Minister has done enough damage.
If the Deputy is ever on this side we will see how much damage he will do.
