asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has received notification of industrial action on the part of air controllers at Dublin Airport; the steps which are being taken to deal with the grievances leading to the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Traffic Control Service.
11.
The air traffic control staff in my Department is represented by the Union of Professional and Technical Civil Servants. I am aware of press reports regarding possible industrial action by air traffic control staff but neither I nor my Department have been officially notified of such action.
Over the past two to three years there have been continuing discussions with the UPTCS regarding issues in the air traffic control service. The discussions initially centred on the facilities and staffing arrangements in the air traffic control service, particularly in the light of the very welcome and substantial increase in air traffic.
As the House is aware, a major investment programme aimed at the complete renewal of the country's ATC and air navigation equipment is currently under way and due for completion in 1991-92. Last week, as part of that £30 million investment programme, I signed a contract for an integrated radar system for the three airports. In all this project will cost £13.2 million and will be completed by 1991.
In the first phase of the contract new secondary surveillance radar will be installed at Dublin Airport by the end of this year. Pending the completion of that installation interim arrangements are being made — I mentioned this already — to give Dublin Airport secondary surveillance radar facilities for the coming summer.
I fully recognise that, in addition to investment in equipment, there must also be investment in manpower. As the House will recall, some weeks ago I announced the recruitment of 27 additional staff for the air traffic control Service. These new staff, representing an addition of over 12 per cent in staffing, will begin to take up duty as and from Monday next.
In the discussions with the UPTCS, to which I have referred, other issues in relation to pay were raised. My position in relation to such issues is that they must be processed through the normal agreed procedures.
Is the Minister telling us that he has received no notification of threatened industrial action? If that is so, has he made inquiries into the existing or new grievances that may give rise to industrial action, in view of the crucial importance of air traffic control to and from our airports particularly during the summer months?
The Deputy is correct in stating that neither I nor my Department got any official notice about industrial action right up to 2.30 p.m. this afternoon. Second, I can assure the Deputy that there is not an "i" dotted or a "t" crossed in that area but I know about it.
May I ask if the additional staff assigned to the air traffic control section are employed on a full time basis or as temporary whole time staff — the new concept of State employment? How has the Minister found his way around the pernicious embargo that has strangled recruitment in the past?
The answer to the Deputy's question is that they are full time air traffic control staff. How I get around things like that is a matter of gliceas.
I now call Deputy Griffin.
Mr. McCartan rose.
I am sorry Deputy but I had called Deputy Brendan Griffin.
I will be brief.
I will call the Deputy again.
Could the Minister indicate how long it will take before these new trainees are fully qualified as air traffic controllers? In a recent statement the air traffic controllers' representative said it would take a number of years and that in the meantime the air traffic controllers would continue suffering from stress, which in their very demanding work should not be tolerated.
Like all trainees, they will be gradually trained into their duties. A three to five year period was mentioned for complete training of an air traffic controller. Needless to say they will be doing effective work and relieving others in the meantime. They are recruited as full time air traffic controllers.
A final question from Deputy McCartan.
Having spent a half an hour here two nights ago beseeching the Minister for the Environment to find extra staff for the library service in Coolock——
This hardly arises on this question.
——could the Minister advise us how he got around the embargo and was able to look after the air traffic controllers?
Please Deputy McCartan.
I would love to be at the Deputy's——
That disposes of questions for today.