Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:205 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will make a statement of the position in relation to the industrial dispute at the Botanic Gardens. [26059/98]
Written Answers - Industrial Disputes.
I wish to refer the Deputy to the statement made in this House on 17 November 1998, by the Minister of State at my Department, in response to a motion raised on the Adjournment debate.
Craft gardeners employed in the Botanic Gardens have, for some time, sought a universal upgrading. This claim has been rejected by the Labour Court on two previous occasions, in 1992 and 1996.
In pursuing this claim the gardeners refused to co-operate with training assessments, which they have traditionally completed for student gardeners undergoing practical training elements of their amenity horticulture diploma course, which is organised by Teagasc, in the Botanic Gardens. In 1994, Teagasc decided to revise the system of assessment to a modular base. This required a modest additional input from the gardeners, entirely in keeping with their craftsperson grading. They refused to co-operate and used the situation to renew the grading claim, the concession of which would have given them greater status over other craftspersons including other gardeners, within the Department. There would also be repercussions in so far as other Government Departments and the local authority sector are concerned. The issue was again referred to the Labour Court in 1996, where the claim was rejected. Following further negotiations my Department made a significant offer to the union in an effort to finally resolve the matter. Unfortunately, on foot of a union ballot, the gardeners voted to reject this offer and simply reverted to their original position of seeking universal upgrading. My Department could not accede to this demand.
The gardeners subsequently refused to co-operate with the student training programme, which led to their inevitable suspension from duty. From the outset, my Department has indicated its willingness to renew negotiations with the union, on condition that normal working is resumed, including full co-operation with the student training programmes.
Within recent days my Department has engaged in informal discussions with the union side. At this juncture it is hoped that further exploratory talks can provide the basis for a resumption of negotiations, in turn leading to a settlement of the dispute.