Vol. 567 No. 3
30 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the serious ongoing hardship being caused as a result of the dispute involving staff at Davitt House in Castlebar, and elsewhere; if he will take steps to resolve the dispute and address their just claim for the opportunity for local promotion; if he will intervene personally in the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13940/03]
My Department has endeavoured to limit the impact of this dispute on farmers in the five counties involved. The necessity to get advance clearance from the CMMS data for animals intended for slaughter houses has been temporarily suspended. We are satisfied that other safeguards are adequate because all animals are subject to veterinary inspection and other identity checks. The union has agreed to ease restrictions in relation to herds affected by tuberculosis and brucellosis. They have established a committee with a representative in each of the offices engaged in the industrial action who review applications to temporarily ease restrictions on a case by case basis and this is being pursued with the union.
My Department regrets the hardship caused to the farming community due to the industrial action taken by CPSU members and we are endeavouring to resolve the dispute. Department officials met with CPSU representatives last Tuesday. Both parties stated their respective positions and discussed a number of issues arising in relation to the dispute. While no formula for resolving the dispute emerged my officials are having ongoing talks with CPSU representatives in an effort to resolve this dispute.
