Industrial Disputes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 May 2014

Thursday, 29 May 2014

Questions (92, 93)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

92. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the fact that strike action has been voted for by the 35 security and cleaning staff of the National Gallery of Ireland, starting 5 June, as a consequence of the gallery management's attempt to reduce staff members' annual leave below a nationally agreed standardisation of 32 days and its attempt to remove a premium payment received by staff for St. Stephen's Day; and the steps he will take to ensure the this national cultural institution is not out of step with the national public sector agreement regarding pay and conditions. [23607/14]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

93. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the fact that strike action has been voted for by the 35 security and cleaning staff of the National Gallery of Ireland, starting 5 June, as a consequence of the gallery management's attempt to reduce staff members' annual leave below a nationally agreed standardisation of 32 days; and the steps he will take to ensure this national cultural institution is not closed to the visiting public at the height of the tourist season. [23608/14]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.

Whilst my Department provides funding to the National Cultural Institutions, the board of each institution is responsible for all operational matters. Accordingly, I have no direct function in matters such those as outlined by the Deputy. I am given to understand, however, that the key issue centres on the implementation of a Labour Court Recommendation concerning rationalisation of local arrangements outside the sectoral norm.

I understand that ongoing discussions are taking place between all relevant parties in an attempt to resolve the issue involved. I do, of course, share the concern expressed by the Deputy regarding loss of access for the visiting public and would urge the parties to make every effort to avoid any such eventuality.