asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that a trade union has directed its members not to provide electricity to houses unless the work is performed by a union member; if he will intervene to have this direction withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Union Directive.
82.
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. The ESB are discussing the matter with the union concerned. I am hopeful that, as a result of these discussions, the matter will be resolved in the near future, in such a way as to ensure that qualified personnel will be employed in such installations, as the safety factor in this work must be a paramount consideration.
Can I take it that what the Minister means is that the qualified people will be taken into the union concerned?
There are discussions going on between the ESB and the unions in this matter of the installation of electrical appliances. Safety must be the chief consideration. I hope that the discussions that are taking place between the board and the unions will ensure that this will, in fact, be the case.
The Minister appreciates that there are very competent people who have been at this for the last 30 or 40 years and they find now that the ESB will not connect them because of this?
All I am concerned about is that qualified people only should do this work.
I agree.
The refusal is not on the basis of qualified or unqualified people. The refusal is on the basis that they are not members of unions. We must accept that the Minister is correct in exercising the utmost care but this is not difficult.
Safety is my consideration and the unions concerned have recognised courses for apprentices to ensure that their craftsmen reach the standard necessary. The Deputy will agree that the paramount consideration must be to see that installations of electrical fittings in homes are fitted by qualified craftsmen.