Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 May 1970

Vol. 246 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bank Dispute.

30.

Mr. Ryan

asked the Minister for Finance if, having regard to the failure of bank proprietors to fulfil their obligations towards banks' customers and the frequency of disruption in Irish banking services, he will have a full public inquiry into the structure, operation and staffing of the Irish banking system with a view to implementing reforms to reduce costs, increase efficiency and avoid any further disruption of banking services to commerce, industry, agriculture and all sections of the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

31.

Mr. P. O'Donnell

asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the disruption which is hitting the country as the result of the bank dispute; and, if so, what action he proposes to take on the matter.

32.

Mr. Desmond

asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement concerning the current bank dispute.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Colley)

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 31 and 32 together.

As the House is aware, talks have taken place between the two sides under the auspices of the Labour Court but these have broken down. The breakdown appears to have occurred at a rather early stage and I am hopeful that, on reflection, the parties will find means of resuming the discussion. A continuation of the deadlock is in nobody's interest and is causing serious inconvenience throughout the community.

I do not think that an inquiry into the structure, operation and staffing of the banking system, as suggested by Deputy Ryan, would be helpful, or, indeed, relevant to the immediate issue. In my judgment, it would be better that I should not say anything further at this stage.

Mr. Tully

Is the Minister aware that the rates of pay of lower paid employees in the banks are scandalously low and that this is partly the reason disputes occur so often? Would the Minister not make a recommendation that this matter should receive immediate attention?

Mr. Colley

I have already said that I do not think I should say anything further at this stage. I do not think it unreasonable to ask that other Deputies would not say things that might not be helpful in arriving at a settlement of this dispute.

Mr. Tully

In 15 weeks' time will this dispute still be in progress like the cement dispute?

Mr. Desmond

In view of the dual involvement of the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Labour, would they not jointly meet the chairman of the conciliation council and explore with him the possibilities of settlement, if the Ministers have not already taken this action? There is widespread hardship imposed both on the public and employees of the banks as a result of this strike.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am calling Question No. 33.

Mr. P. Barry

The Minister has said he is hopeful that talks will resume. Could the Minister tell us on what grounds this hope is based?

Mr. Colley

No, I could not.