I have a further announcement for the benefit of Members. I wish to report to the House that notice of industrial action by the audio typist grade in the Official Reporting Section was served in my office last Wednesday to take effect on that day. Since then my office has been in the course of on-going discussions with the Department of Finance to see if the dispute can be resolved. Every effort has been made to meet the union's demands in this dispute and, as I have said, my office is engaged in discussions with the Department of Finance to see if some compromise can be achieved.
I would be reluctant to grant further concessions to the union concerned while its members, the audio typists, have undertaken industrial action on a demarcation dispute and, in effect, no work has been done by them since last Wednesday. I am sure Deputies will agree that the sittings of this House and the Seanad cannot be thwarted or hindered in any shape or form. I am still hopeful, even at this late stage, that this demarcation dispute can be resolved. If it becomes necessary I will continue to report to the House in the light of unfolding developments.
