Vol. 528 No. 2
209 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to address the concerns of those staff members currently on strike in the Land Registry Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29840/00]
I am informed that some Dublin-based members of the IMPACT Trade Union, Mapping Branch, are involved in industrial action and are refusing to carry out certain core functions such as dealing with fee-paying customers at the Land Registries public counters in Dublin. I am further informed that the senior mapping grades of mapping advisor and chief superintendent are not supporting the action, while all Waterford based staff represented by the union are continuing to work as normal.
I understand that the union's position is that none of the additional posts arising under a recent staffing package should be filled by reference to work-related needs in Waterford. This ignores the fact that the Land Registry has a decentralised office in Waterford where 35% to 40% of the work is handled. The union is also demanding that no staff should be promoted in Waterford until all Dublin based staff at a particular level have been promoted and left in Dublin. I am informed that this would be untenable for the operation of the Land Registry and its fee-paying customers.
I understand that contact has been maintained with the union with a view to recommencing talks and finding a way forward. In the meantime management in the Land Registry regrets any inconvenience which may arise for its customers as a result of the action taken by IMPACT and will endeavour to maintain essential services.
