Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:14 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Labour if he plans any further initiative to secure a settlement to the long-running dispute at Waterford Glass; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Glass Dispute.
On the basis of proposals which I put forward, the parties in the dispute at Waterford Glass have been involved in negotiations over the last four weeks in an effort to resolve the long-running dispute. As was expected, the negotiations have not been easy but I understand that both sides have approached the talks in a positive manner and progress is being made. The objective of the negotiations is to draw up a comprehensive agreement covering all issues in dispute and I remain hopeful that this will be achieved. A package of proposals which at present is being considered by the union's joint negotiating committee is likely to be voted on by the workers in the next few days. I hope that this will lead to a resolution of the dispute.
I should like to take this opportunity to compliment the Minister on his intervention in this very difficult dispute, about which I do not wish to say a great deal, because of the delicate stage the process of negotiation is at. It is a critical industry and we all hope that the initiative taken by the Minister will lead to a resumption of work at Waterford. I hope the Minister will continue to be vigilant in regard to this critical industry to ensure that a new impasse will not be allowed to develop at Waterford.
I thank the Deputy for his remarks and I assure him and the House that we will keep a close eye on this matter in the remaining crucial days.