I remind the House that 1995 was a record year for farming. It was unfortunate that we had the BSE scare this year, which was totally outside the control of our Minister. However, other sectors, such as sheep, pigs and, I hope, dairying, are doing quite well at the moment. The beef sector is providing us with major difficulties. I agree with Senators that the CPSU could not have chosen a more difficult time for the farming community in which to call a strike. It is totally unfortunate and very unfair. Farm families with very low incomes are faced with ruination if the strike is not lifted.
The financial implications for the Irish economy of the BSE scare were recognised by this Government and have been dealt with as a top priority measure. In an effort to mitigate the disastrous effect of the closure of the international and national markets, strenuous efforts were made by the Minister and the Government to persuade our European partners of the need for measures to stabilise the market. The result was the EU Commission agreed to open the intervention markets for 100,000 tonnes of beef during the months of April and May. To date, our industry has been awarded tenders for about 8,000 tonnes, equivalent to some 25,000 cattle. This was a major achievement and it is to be regretted that the programme of industrial action did not have due regard to the importance of this national issue and did not refrain from any action taken in pursuance of a pay claim which would have the effect of preventing the sale of animals to this intervention market, which by its nature is temporary, or, alternatively, would prevent the export of animals to international markets, bearing in mind the strenuous efforts which have been put into keeping these markets open.
While the excellent service provided by the CPSU must be recognised, I greatly regret the action being taken, which is having a severe impact on the farming community. The action has serious implications, including the following. Tests have ceased in virtually all counties since farmers are reluctant to pay for tests when they cannot get identity cards or test result in many cases. Many farmers are unable to sell cattle as the cards are not in date. Area aid applications are not being processed.
This situation is wholly unacceptable against the background of ongoing talks between the union and the Department of Finance at the Labour Relations Commission. When the Department of Finance agreed to these talks, there was a clear understanding that problems arising would be addressed. It has been a long standing and laudable practice in the trade union movement to suspend any action which might cause hardship while talks are in progress. It is unfortunate the CPSU has not seen fit to do likewise on this occasion.
I realise that industrial action by its nature causes disruption. However, in my view, the interpretation by the CPSU of the type of industrial action to apply, especially in the case of the disease eradication programmes, is unnecessarily rigid. A more realistic interpretation would allow clerical staff to undertake the aspects of the new scheme which applied prior to 1 April. This would allow trade to continue unhindered.
As the Seanad is aware, talks are continuing at the Labour Relations Commission in order to resolve the dispute. Indeed, the Government has already signalled its preparedness to end the embargo which was the initial cause of the dispute. In this context, I am surprised the union has persisted in its action in all Departments. In particular, I am amazed it has refused to address the immediate problems arising for the agricultural sector. It showed co-operation in that it said it would not obstruct the intervention system. However, this makes no sense when it is obstructing cattle movement which will prevent many farmers from delivering their cattle to factories. These include many low income farmers who now face financial disaster.
The talks between the union and the Department of Finance are continuing at the Labour Relations Commission. It has been clearly signalled by the negotiators that the separate claims on behalf of their members in my Department will be addressed in the context of the central talks. In these circumstances I see no genuine reason for the continuation of the industrial action in my Department. I am, therefore, calling on the CPSU to call off its industrial action now, or, at the very least, to cease the specific actions in the disease eradication area which are preventing animal testing and movements of animals and actions in the area aid schemes which may in due course lead to problems with premia payments for farmers.
