Vol. 464 No. 2
58 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the discussions, if any, that have taken place between his Department and the relevant unions to ensure that beef intervention, area aid and other EU schemes can continue to operate effectively and in accordance with the farmers' charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7787/96]
My Department is in regular contact with all trade unions representing staff of the Department through formal direct meetings and through the conciliation and arbitration scheme for civil servants.
The civil servants wide action by the Civil and Public Service Union in support of their protest against the Government decisions on staffing levels has caused disruption to the operation of a number of schemes.
Discussions on the issues which led to the programme of industrial action in this and other Departments are being handled centrally by the Department of Finance.
I regret that the action being taken which is contrary to the Programme for Competitiveness and Work is causing disruption to the public and industry.
