asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if in view of the difficulty of recruiting labour for work on the Bord na Móna turf schemes, and the fact that this has been attributed to a certain degree of discontent amongst the workers, he will consider advising Bord na Móna to appoint a personnel officer on all their major schemes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Personnel Officer in Bord na Móna.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that, by arrangement with the trade union catering for the majority of turf workers, conciliation councils have been set up at the board's larger works to deal on the spot with any grievances or disputes which may arise. By means of these councils, elected representatives of the workers meet the management once a fortnight, or oftener if need be, to discuss such grievances and endeavour to have them settled. Where this is unsuccessful the matters in dispute are referred to the board's and the union's head office and discussions are then held between representatives of the union executive and the board's secretariat.
This procedure is working satisfactorily and provides direct and continuous contact between the managements and workers, and it is not considered that the appointment of a personnel officer would be of any advantage.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that it is hardly correct to say that the procedure is working satisfactorily when such difficulty is experienced in obtaining workers to work in the bogs?
If they paid them they would work.
There is not necessarily a connection between the difficulty of getting workers to work in the bogs and the arrangements which exist between the board and its staff. The conciliation councils work satisfactorily and where they are unable to reach agreement the matter is referred to the head offices of the board and the union.
But they are still not able to get the workers.
They would get them if they would pay them.