Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 7

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take No. 3.

It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders that: (1) The following arrangements shall apply to the resumed debate on No. 3: (i) The main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party, the Progressive Democrat Party and the Technical Group shall be called on to contribute to the debate first and their speeches shall not exceed 20 minutes in each case, except where paragraph (ii) below applies. (ii) The speeches of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the leaders of the Fine Gael Party, the Progressive Democrat Party and the nominated representative of the Technical Group may not exceed 30 minutes in each case. (iii) The speech of each other member called on shall not exceed 20 minutes. (2) Business shall be interrupted at 4.45 p.m. today. (3) Statements shall be made on the report of the Second Commission on the Status of Women tomorrow and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) The opening statement of the Minister and the statements of each other Member called on shall not exceed 20 minutes. (ii) The Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon not later than 3.40 p.m. to make a statement in reply not exceeding 20 minutes, (iii) Members may share time. (4) The Dáil shall meet tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. and shall adjourn not later than 4.00 p.m.

An Ceann Comhairle

Are the proposals for dealing with the general debate on the budget today satisfactory? Agreed. Is it agreed that business shall be interrupted at 4.45 p.m. today? Agreed.

Mr. J. Bruton

I suggest that business might be interrupted at 12 noon today to allow the Minister for Enterprise and Employment to make a statement about the grave situation that appears to be developing in Digital. The House has expressed its concern in a very united way about this and I know the Government would wish to ensure that the House was informed of developments in the most timely fashion possible. The proposal for a brief interruption at 12 noon would allow us to be brought up-to-date on a matter of enormous worry to people, not just in Galway but all over Ireland.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am aware of the importance of the matter.

The Taoiseach

In response to Deputy Bruton this matter could be dealt with by means of a Private Notice Question if he so desires. If not, I am agreeable to interrupt the House at 4 p.m. when the statements could be made.

Mr. J. Bruton

We have tried to proceed on this grave matter in as united a fashion as possible notwithstanding our concerns about the lateness of the Government's intervention. I believe, therefore, that statements might be more appropriate than the naturally contentious context of Private Notice Questions. I suggest an interruption at 2.30 p.m.

The Taoiseach

At 3.45 p.m.?

Mr. J. Bruton

We will not quarrel about this. I will accept whatever suggestion the Taoiseach makes.

The Taoiseach

Yes, after Question Time.

An Ceann Comhairle

We will deal with the rest of the proposals from the Taoiseach. I take it that business shall be interrupted at 3.45 p.m. for statements on Digital and at 4.45 p.m. for the interruption of ordinary business. Is that agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with tomorrow's business agreed that the House shall meet tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. and adjourn not later than 4 p.m. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Mr. J. Bruton

I wish to raise the continuing industrial dispute concerning the audio typists. This is causing major problems in the House. I have looked at the terms of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress in regard to the public sector. It clearly favours the concept of independent mediation and mediation is suggested in the appendices to the programme. May I suggest that there be agreement here on the appointment of an independent mediator to examine this dispute? It is highly inappropriate that the Parliament should not have its proceedings adequately reported, as is provided for in Standing Orders, because of an industrial dispute. The settlement of this dispute is within the powers of those sitting in this Chamber.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am grateful to Deputy Bruton for raising this important matter. I am extremely disappointed that my own continuous efforts and that of my office to resolve this dispute with the union and the Department of Finance have not, as yet, been successful. While, as Ceann Comhairle, I cannot divest myself of my statutory responsibility by submitting to binding arbitration, I am, however, prepared as Deputy Bruton suggests, to agree to the use of existing procedures under the conciliation and arbitration scheme which includes provision of the appointment of a mediator, if this can be arranged between the parties concerned, namely, the union and the Department of Finance. This can be done if the industrial action ceases, perhaps immediately. I will be prepared, as requested, to seek arbitration as quickly as possible in order to resolve this protracted dispute.

Mr. J. Bruton

I welcome the decisive manner in which you, Sir, have acted. I hope your efforts, combined with the efforts of Deputies on all sides, including Ministers, will yield a good result.

Proinsias De Rossa

I welcome your willingness to involve a mediator in this situation because, clearly, it is not good for industrial relations that this House be in dispute with its staff. However, the mediation should begin immediately, notwithstanding any stance the Department of Finance or the union may take. If we are to see a quick resolution of this dispute the mediation should get under way today.

Mr. Allen

On a morning of the announcement in Galway regarding job losses, when the Government is trying to create jobs I ask the Taoiseach to intervene personally in what is happening in the ESB. The ESB is shedding 50 jobs in Cork and I am told more jobs will be lost throughout the country.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Chair has shown latitude here this morning in respect of the matters which can be raised and should not be raised on the Order of Business. The Deputy should raise that very serious matter in another way and my office will facilitate him.

Mr. Allen

I will put down a Private Notice Question.

Mr. Rabbitte

I accept what Deputy Bruton says about the unifed approach of this House to the situation at Digital. Having regard, however, to the fact that the majority of jobs have already been lost and the announcement made, is it not time for the Taoiseach to admit that the flight across the Atlantic was a futile public relations exercise and that this Government acted too——

An Ceann Comhairle

I understand this House was to take up this matter later today. Further statements are not helpful at this stage.

Mr. Rabbitte

I take this very seriously and there is little point in discussing it after the event. The Government was not involved at the early stages but the British Government was. We are talking about job losses at Digital after the event.

An Ceann Comhairle

Let us move on to the budget debate proper. Deputies may make statements later.

Mr. Shatter

Closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.

Mr. Quinn

A profound observation.

Mr. J. Bruton

Can the Government confirm the veracity of announcements made, apparently since this House began proceedings this morning, that 800 jobs are being lost in Digital.

An Ceann Comhairle

We seem to be entering into debate. Let us have order. I ask Members——

Mr. Connaughton

Does the Taoiseach know?

The Taoiseach

The Taoiseach is well aware. The announcement was expected this morning. It may be that the details were announced since we came into the House this morning.

Mr. Connaughton

There must be something very wrong when the Taoiseach did not know this morning.

Mr. Allen

All the Taoiseach can do is smirk at job losses.

An Ceann Comhairle

Item No. 3.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Connaughton

I object to snide remarks by the Taoiseach. It is an insult to the 800 people who lost their jobs this morning.

Mr. Allen

He is running.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Connaughton, please restrain yourself. If debate on the budget is not going to resume, I will seriously consider adjourning this debate. I ask Deputy John Bruton to resume debate on the budget.