asked the Minister for Labour whether, in the light of the Fogarty report on the bank strike, he proposes to take any action to minimise the possibilities of a repetition; and, if so, what action.
44.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bank Strike Report.
43.
asked the Minister for Labour if, following the Fogarty report on the bank strike, he will state what steps are being taken to avoid a repetition of the last strike.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 44 together.
According to a joint statement issued by the Banks' Staff Relations Committee and the Irish Bank Officials' Association, a special committee composed of representatives of both sides has been set up to consider further the suggestions and recommendations made in the Fogarty report. The joint statement speaks of "firm joint measures to avoid depriving the public of banking services in the future".
I am studying the report in detail, but since most of the work arising from the report falls to be done by the parties themselves, I do not intend to intervene at present. I am hopeful that the action of the parties on the report will minimise the possibilities of a repetition of what happened in 1970 and I think that the right course now is to let them get on with that work.