I wish to share my time with Deputy Leonard and to thank the Chair for the opportunity of raising this important and urgent matter.
This dispute between SIPTU, which represents the 40 technicians involved, and Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, has been ongoing for some time and it directly affects a number of agricultural and horticultural colleges around the country, specifically, An Grianán in Termonfeckin in County Louth, Warrenstown Agricultural College in County Meath, Gurteen and Pallaskenry. Although St. Patrick's College in Monaghan is also affected, the other colleges I mentioned are more severely affected and have had to send students home.
As agreed by both parties to the dispute, the matter was referred to an assessor who was appointed in January 1992 and the McLaughlin report was published in May 1993. SIPTU was prepared to accept its findings but Teagasc and the Department were reluctant to do so. The technicians seek pay parity with similar grades in Teagasc — the McLaughlin report pointed to serious pay anomalies between grades in the colleges concerned and Teagasc. The students involved face serious difficulties because of the dispute. Each day lost at college will prove detrimental at examination time.
I admire the versatility of the Minister of State in replying to three matters on the Adjournment, displaying typical Kerry footwork in the process. I hope he will have tidings of good news on this matter.