We will resume our deliberations on the Casual Trading Bill, 1994.
Business of Select Committee.
I wish to raise the important matter of the Dunnes Stores trading dispute which is a relevant matter for the committee to consider. It is sad to see pickets on the doorsteps of a wholly Irish owned multiple store——
I am sorry, that would not be an appropriate subject for today's meeting.
Consumers are deprived of service, and no talks are taking place. The committee should intervene because this is the ideal forum for such a discussion.
The committee has no such powers.
Can we pass a resolution on this matter——
I am obliged to adhere to the provisions on the Order Paper today and to call the Minister.
——given the importance of the issue and since so many people are out of work?
I propose that we call on the management of Dunnes Stores to come to the conference table.
I am sorry, I cannot accept such a proposal.
Under Standing Orders, is this committee not the relevant body for an economic issue like this?
It is a major issue.
It may well be the relevant body if the Dáil directs me to deal with it but I am not in a position to allow for discussion in today's meeting on any item other than that already notified.
Is it possible to suspend Standing Orders?
Chairman, I acknowledge the constraints on you in this matter but I share the concerns of Deputies Gregory and O'Keeffe in respect of the dispute at Dunnes Stores, as I am sure you do. It is regrettable that the machinery provided by the State is not utilised to the full by the management in Dunnes. I ask that they make themselves amenable to that machinery, which is underpinned by legislation, with a view to bringing what could be a damaging dispute to the earliest possible conclusion. I think that is all we can say about it; we are all concerned about the jobs at risk, the suppliers almost exclusively dependent on Dunnes Stores and the hardship being imposed on the workers. I sincerely hope the Labour Relations Commission will be availed of, because it is standing by, waiting to mediate a settlement.
Minister, I have already ruled that this——
I welcome the Minister's comments but with his background in negotiations and knowledge of industrial relations, I ask him to initiate talks between both sides to resolve this dispute, which, as he said, has so many implications for suppliers, the company and small business. It is the most serious industrial dispute for many years and there is an obligation on the Government. This Minister of State, who understands the position and has been involved in many industrial disputes since he took office, has the right to intervene to bring both sides to the conference table.
I am as concerned as any Members about the Dunnes Stores dispute. A number of the stores are located in my constituency, as is the case for other Members. As a former senior national trade union official I subscribe to the sentiments expressed. However, the subject is not appropriate for discussion here and I ask the Minister to move his amendment to the Casual Trading Bill, otherwise I will have to adjourn the meeting.
Casual Trading Bill, 1994: Committee Stage (Resumed).