Vol. 568 No. 3
38 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will report on the ongoing talks by his officials with CPSU representatives in view of the continuing hardship involving staff at Davitt House, Castlebar, County Mayo, and the continuing hardship to the farming community; if he will intervene personally in the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16253/03]
My Department officials met with CPSU on a number of occasions and discussed a number of issues arising in relation to the dispute. The national implementation body which is responsible for ensuring the delivery of the stability and peace provisions of the Sustaining Progress agreement met on 5 June to discuss the dispute. Officials from the Department and the CPSU set out their respective positions to the NIB. The NIB has been in constant contact with both sides during the past week. There have also been discussions between my Department and the CPSU. Substantial progress has been made and both sides are confident that the process in which they are engaged will lead to a resolution of this dispute within days.
