asked the Minister for Labour if he will intervene in the industrial dispute between the Astor TV Company of Enniscorthy, County Wexford and TASS, which has now been in progress for approximately nine months.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford Industrial Dispute.
10.
The Labour Court issued a recommendation on this dispute on 18 July 1977.
An industrial relations officer of the Labour Court has been made specially available to assist the parties to reach a settlement.
I would advise the parties to utilise the services of the industrial relations officer.
What is the position? Have they accepted the decision that they should seek reconciliation again under the auspices of the Labour Court?
I am sorry to say that only one side have. The trade union side have and have been doing so all the time, but the employer continues to refuse. I appeal to that employer to meet this industrial relations officer who has made himself available for many months. In the latest inquiry within the last month the industrial relations officer was treated in the very same way by the employer. I again appeal to the employer to consider meeting, negotiating and discussing the position with that industrial relations officer, who has been available for a long time.
When a situation like this arises has the Minister no power to insist on an employer taking up one position or the other, either agreeing to negotiate with the Labour Court official or else settling with the union?
I am calling the next question. Question No. 11.
It looks like becoming one of the longest strikes in Ireland.
I agree, and it is a most unsatisfactory situation. The employer's approach is to be deplored.