Mary O'Rourke
Question:822 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to intervene in the ongoing dispute at Irish Life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15998/96]
Written Answers. - Irish Life Dispute.
I am aware that the company is proposing changes in the roles and responsibilities of the staff of its sales force, but that is entirely a matter for the company and not one in which Government has any standing. The responsibility for the resolution of the dispute between the company and its sales representatives is ultimately a matter for the parties directly involved. In that regard I welcome the recent settlement of the dispute between the company and its sales managers, a resolution achieved with the assistance of the dispute settling agencies of the State.
I understand that the company and the MSF union, representing the sales representatives, have availed of the conciliation service of the Labour Relations Commission. I would like to take this opportunity to urge the parties to continue their efforts to find an acceptable resolution of the dispute. I do not consider it appropriate for me to intervene directly in this dispute. The conciliation service of the Labour Relations Commission remains available to the parties and, if necessary, the parties can seek the assistance of the Labour Court.