asked the Minister for Labour if he will report on the continuing Dunnes Stores strike and the action that can still be taken to resolve this long dispute.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dunnes Stores Dispute.
32.
As the Deputy will be aware, I referred the dispute to the Labour Court under section 24 of the Industrial Relations Act, 1946, and I appealed to the parties to the dispute to co-operate with the court in their inquiry in the interest of securing an early resolution of the issue.
The court in their report to me recommended that, subject to a resumption of work, I should initiate discussions with the major supermarkets with a view to minimising the importation of South African produce and that I should consider the question of conscientious objectors in employment.
Notwithstanding the failure to achieve a resumption of work consequent on the court's recommendation, I entered into discussions with the major supermarkets. The result of these discussions is that the supermarkets have given a positive declaration of their individual intent to minimise the sale of South African produce. As regards the court's recommendation to me on the question of conscientious objectors in employment, I invited the Federated Union of Employers and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to let me have their views. Both sides replied in fairly negative terms so that further action on this aspect will prove difficult. The strike still persists. Discussions were initiated by the Labour Court with the parties earlier this month. I have contacted the Labour Court about the progress of these discussions and I understand that the court will be letting me have a report on the position later this week.
I was wondering what was the position vis-à-vis the Labour Court, whether they had reported back. I suppose the Minister is not prepared to say who has delayed or where he thinks this dispute has been prolonged. For example, have they been in direct contact with the Labour Court? The dispute has been sufficiently protracted and, at this stage, a resolution is either possible or impossible through the Labour Court. It is time that where the blame lies was clarified, if “blame” is the correct word to use. Does the Minister wish to say anything?
I am very anxious that a satisfactory resolution to this dispute should be arrived at. Therefore, I do not wish to say anything in the House that might prejudice such successful outcome.