asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the girl employees of Messrs. Moran and Son, drapery merchants, Talbot Street, Dublin, have for several weeks been on strike against a proposed reduction of wages; if he will state whether his Department has made any effort to initiate negotiations between the parties to the dispute; and if he will endeavour to promote a conference with a view to a settlement.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DUBLIN DRAPERY STRIKE.
I am aware that seventeen of the employees of this firm went on strike on the 21st of January last. My Department immediately communicated with representatives of the parties suggesting that a joint conference be held with a view to bringing about an amicable settlement of the matters in dispute. This suggestion was agreed to and a joint conference was held on the 30th January, 1928. It was found impossible to reach an agreement and the meeting was adjourned on an understanding that the conference would be resumed if there appeared any prospect of agreement being reached. My Department has kept in touch with the parties but has no information to show that a resumption of the conference would yet lead to any different result.