andMr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Labour the steps he is taking to ensure a quick resolution of the dispute which is disrupting B & I sailings.
Private Notice Questions. - B & I Dispute.
I apologise for the absence of the Minister for Labour who is in Brussels on official Government business. The dispute which has been simmering for some time came to a head on Saturday, 5 May 1990. Ratings on the freight ship, M. V. Bison, refused to carry out certain duties. The company decided that in these circumstances it was not possible to run the service efficiently and, therefore, removed the crew involved from the payroll and cancelled the sailing. The crew involved are members of the Seamen's Union of Ireland.
On Monday, 7 May the dispute escalated when crew members on other B & I freight and passenger ships took action in support of their suspended colleagues on the M.V. Bison. As a result of this action, B & I have suspended all sailings for the time being. Initially the action was unofficial but the Seamen's Union of Ireland have now made the dispute official. There have been two Labour Court conciliation conferences on the dispute and a further conciliation conference has been arranged for this afternoon. As I speak, talks are already under way which, I hope, will lead to a resolution of the dispute.
Given the enormous difficulties caused by the disruption in the services of the B & I, I welcome the statement by the Minister that further talks are in train. Can I ask the Minister if he, acting for the Minister for Labour, intends to take a personal role in bringing about a resolution?
In the circumstances we would assist in the resolution of this dispute by adopting a restrained approach. This dispute, of course, has very serious implications for passengers and cargo and we should appeal to both sides to come to an agreed settlement as quickly as possible. I think we can assist by not making further statements in the House which could in any way escalate this dispute.