Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 1

Written Answers. - Companies Office Dispute.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

27 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will intervene in the dispute which is disrupting services at the Companies Office; and the way in which this disruption will alter plans for the relocation of this Office. [7629/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

The Civil and Public Service Union has taken industrial action on a Civil Service-wide basis against the Government's embargo on filling posts. The industrial action includes: withdrawal of flexibility regarding the duties of the clerical grade; ban on overtime; non co-operation with the introduction of new working methods and technology and refusal to co-operate with work arising from unfilled vacancies.

A high proportion of the staff in the Companies Registration Office are members of the Civil and Public Service Union. The industrial action is accordingly having an adverse effect on the work of the office, resulting in a diminution of the service provided to customers. A notice to advise customers of the office of the difficulties was placed in the national newspapers at an early stage the Civil Service-wide industrial action was commenced in March.

Discussions with the CPSU in the dispute are being handled centrally by the Department of Finance through the mechanism of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme.

Local management in the Companies Registration Office and senior management in the Department have been seeking to address local issues arising from the CPSU action. A number of problems have been solved locally but the situation remains difficult for the office and its customers.

Arrangements for the relocation of the Companies Registration Office are at the planning and design phase. This process is at present continuing normally in association with the Office of Public Works.