Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 3

Written Answers. - Industrial Disputes.

John McGuinness

Question:

175 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the threatened industrial action by employees of SOS, Callan Road, Kilkenny; if his Department will seek a report from the South-Eastern Health Board in relation to the dispute and any commitment given by the board to SOS; the plans, if any, he has to intervene in the dispute which may cost the board £100,000; his views on the implications of this action on the overall finances of the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13738/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

SOS, Callan Road, Kilkenny is a voluntary organisation in receipt of a contribution from the South-Eastern Health Board towards its costs. It is an autonomous body independent of the board in relation to its day-to-day operation. Its employees are not employees of the board and their pay, terms and conditions of employment are not controlled by the board. Consequently, the dispute with SIPTU is a matter for the management of the agency as the direct employer and I have no function in this matter. I have been advised by the chief executive of the South-Eastern Health Board, who has been monitoring the situation that, although they are not a party to the dispute, negotiations are continuing under normal industrial relations procedures.