Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Oct 1997

Vol. 482 No. 2

Written Answers - National Museum Staff.

Ivor Callely

Question:

88 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason for the recent dispute by museum staff; the current situation in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17535/97]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

This dispute's origins can be traced to lost promotional outlets due to voluntary early retirement schemes in the late 1980s, which decreased the number of promotional outlets within the National Museum. The small staffing pool in the National Museum served only to accentuate the lack of promotional opportunities, and a consequent build-up of frustration amongst the professional and technical staff resulted. The situation came to a head in early 1997 when the recruitment of new staff with skills in particular disciplines such as conservation, marketing, information technology etc. was initiated. These particular skills which are essential in a modern museum, had not been provided previously in our own National Museam. The staff now in dispute were aggrieved at the creation of six new posts, each to be filled by public competition, when promotions were not available to the exising National Museum staff. The staff then embarked upon the present course of industrial action in an effort to secure promotions.

I would like to stress that on my appointment as Minister, I inherited a situation of industrial action amongst the professional and technical grades in the National Museum. It is my view however that there is a compelling need to resolve this industrial dispute. The National Museum is at a key point in its development, with the recent opening to the public of phase one of the Collins Barracks project. It is my earnest wish that a practical solution to the dispute is reached in order that the National Museum is in a position to tackle the many challenges that lie ahead at this key time in its development.

Like every Minister, however, I am required to consider all claims for promotions and additional staff within my Department in the context of the wider public sector pay and staff numbers policy, and this dispute can only be resolved within that framework.