Vol. 547 No. 3
156 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he or his Department has had discussions with a relevant party concerning the industrial relations dispute at the Embassy of South Africa; if he proposes making or requiring intervention to resolve the disputes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3287/02]
My officials have been monitoring developments on this issue. As already noted in response to an earlier question on this subject, I understand that a certain number of the locally recruited Irish staff are continuing their strike which began on the 11 January.
As I indicated previously, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which has been incorporated into Irish law as the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act, 1967, sets out a framework of privileges and immunities which are intended to facilitate effective relations between states which are parties to the convention. The convention also refers to the need to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state.
I remain of the view that the responsibility for the resolution of such a dispute is ultimately a matter for the parties and I hope that it can be satisfactorily resolved. It is open to them, if they wish, to avail themselves of the conciliation machinery of the State.
