asked the Minister for Lands if he will make a comprehensive statement relative to the future of Meevagh Boatyard, County Donegal in view of the great disquiet in that area over the mishandling of the matter by an Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Meevagh (Donegal) Boatyard.
52.
The scale of operation at any boatyard depends on the volume of boatbuilding and repair work available. It is regrettable that there was a walk-out of staff at Meevagh Boatyard in August last but I am satisfied that no blame attaches to An Bord Iascaigh Mhara for the handling of the matter. As to the future, I am hopeful that the various incentives in the Government's Programme of Sea Fisheries Development will lead to increasing demand for new boats and expansion of boatbuilding.
May I take it there is no intention to close down this boatyard as was done on a previous occasion?
In this case, contrary to the advice of their trade union, the staff walked out.
There is a trade dispute which I presume will ultimately be settled, but my concern is whether it is the intention of the Government to repeat their performance of closing down this boatyard.
This matter as it stands is one for the staff concerned— whether the boatyard re-opens or remains closed.
When the trade dispute is settled, will it be re-opened?
That is a matter for consideration.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary will inform us what the Government's intention is? We are all familiar with the fact that Fianna Fáil closed down this boatyard. It was subsequently re-opened by the inter-Party Government. Is it proposed to close it again?
I repeat that the yard, in so far as it has been closed, was closed down by the unofficial action of the staff, contrary to the advice of the trade union.
And I am asking whether, when this dispute is settled, we can assume the yard will be re-opened?
They will not be there to do it.
I take it the Parliamentary Secretary will not answer.
I said it will be considered at the appropriate time.
Fortunately, you will not be there.
The Parliamentary Secretary had no right to say the dispute arose between the trade union and the workers——
I did not say that.
What has the Parliamentary Secretary done to settle the dispute?
Every effort has been made both by myself and the officers of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to effect a settlement and the trade union concerned was most co-operative but, contrary to the advice of the local branch secretary of the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union, these men refused to co-operate.
Is it not more true to say that An Bord Iascaigh Mhara refused to negotiate with the men, that the men made alternative suggestions which An Bord Iascaigh Mhara refused to consider?
I have fully explained the position.
The Parliamentary Secretary has not answered Deputy Dillon's question. With your permission, Sir, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.