I acknowledge the Deputy's concern about this matter and I wish to express my deep concern. The level of violence being used against persons and property is unprecedented and serious. The level of violence and the number of blockades have increased in recent days. It has been reported that a Spanish national died this morning following an incident involving a lorry at a blockade. The details are unclear, but the situation is clearly worsening. In the light of what is happening there, we must seriously caution Irish haulage companies to carefully consider the situation before embarking for Spain. Those Irish companies who have drivers detained there should advise those drivers to exercise caution in the interests of their own safety. My colleague in the Department issued a statement this morning advising Irish hauliers intending to travel to Spain to contact either the Irish Road Haulage Association or his officials before doing so.
The strike in Spain began on Thursday, 6 February and was at that stage mainly confined to parts of northern Spain where the union which has taken the industrial action is strongly represented. Border crossings with France and Portugal and some secondary roads were picketed. The action has now become more widespread and the effects are being felt by industry and services throughout the country. There are serious shortages of fuel and components in the north and food markets are likely to be affected soon. The origin of the strike is the proposed restructuring of the road haulage industry in Spain. There have been negotiations with a view to settlement of the dispute. I understand that representatives of the Spanish administration and transport organisations met today in Madrid, but as yet I have no details of the outcome of today's meeting.
I realise that major difficulties have been encountered by trucks in entering Spain and reaching their destinations. I understand from my contacts with the Irish Embassy in Madrid that Irish truck drivers are experiencing delays and that some vehicles have been damaged. The Irish Road Haulage Association estimates that some 20 Irish lorries are blocked. Our ambassador in Madrid has had high level contact with the Foreign Ministry to express concern at the effects of the action on Irish drivers and he has been informed that our concerns are being transmitted to the Ministry of the Interior. On learning of specific delays or damages sustained which have affected Irish truck drivers, the embassy will bring to the attention of the appropriate regional authorities our expectation that the Spanish authorities will take appropriate action to ensure the free and safe circulation of Irish citizens. Under Spanish law, protection of the freedom of movement of foreign transport is the primary responsibility of regional governments.
Deputies have raised the question of compensation. I expect that the question of compensation for non-Spanish hauliers held up in Spain will arise. Claims by Irish hauliers affected by the French blockade last November are being processed by the Irish Road Haulage Association, which has engaged a firm of solicitors and accountants to ensure a uniform, professional approach to the processing of claims. This approach is designed to give each claim the best chance of success. All records relating to disrupted journeys are being submitted with each claim. I expect that the Irish Road Haulage Association will adopt a similar approach in the event of Irish lorries suffering losses in Spain. Experience gained in dealing with the claims against the French authorities will be invaluable in preparing claims against the Spanish. As regards the statutory situation on compensation in Spain, my understanding is that there is a 1984 law which can be interpreted to provide for compensation for economic losses caused by delays arising out of pickets and demonstrations on roads and borders.
A major problem for us is the question of how best to effectively intervene in these disputes. It is a worrying trend that, within the European Union, we are in our third period of disruption in a very short timespan. It is also of concern to see individuals blocking roads and disrupting trade in pursuit of claims. Nobody disputes that workers have the right to withdraw their labour in pursuit of legitimate claims but we have a right to expect that such action remains within the law. Individual worker's rights must be balanced by the rights of others to go about their legitimate business. Clearly, there is a dilemma for Governments faced with the problem of widespread road blockages. Lessons can be learned from the French blockades which took place last November. In essence, the French dispute was between employers and employees and the French Government was reluctant to force the issue in a contrived way, which might have exacerbated the situation. The handling of that dispute was satisfactory in hindsight. I hope that the Spanish authorities adopt a similar approach and that the dispute there is quickly resolved.
The Dáil adjourned at 5.20 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 18 February 1997.
