Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 3

Written Answers - Industrial Relations.

Willie Penrose

Question:

36 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the ESB group of unions have raised with her their concerns at the way in which the closure of Ferbane power station, County Offaly, was announced by ESB management in September 1998; her views on the way in which the ESB management acted in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26916/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The CCR agreement provides for a broad range of necessary change in ESB in order to prepare the company for the challenge of competition. These changes were agreed both nationally, and locally at Ferbane. The management of ESB must retain the necessary flexibility to conduct their operations, including specifically the changes agreed in the CCR, across the organisation in a manner which will best secure the longer term interest of the company.

The announcement by ESB on 24 September that it proposed to close Ferbane arose from a total loss of confidence by ESB management in the willingness of a small group of key staff at Ferbane to embrace and implement the changes agreed for the plant. Following the ESB announcement, I had detailed and ongoing discussions with various interests, including the ESB group of unions, during October about the difficulties at Ferbane. The focus of those discussions was on ways and means of resolving the issues involved at Ferbane.

Following an initiative by the ESB group of unions, the issues involved were referred to the ESB joint industrial council which issued a recommendation on 28 October 1998. The council's recommendation is a very positive and welcome outcome. The main union — MSFI — representing the staff involved at Ferbane, had already signalled its prior agreement to be bound by the outcome of the council's deliberations. The council made special note of this and went on to recommend immediate implementation of the new changes and work practices at Ferbane, given the situation that exists there regarding refurbishment at the plant.

The council's recommendation provides an agreed basis to end the recent difficulties at Ferbane. I hope that the parties involved will now seize the opportunity to move forward without further delay in a spirit of real partnership at Ferbane.