Vol. 503 No. 1
42 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the cause of the industrial dispute at Moneypoint; the action, if any, she has taken to ensure that the partnership approach to industrial relations is restored within the ESB; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9144/99]
In response to private notice questions in the House on 11 March 1999 in relation to the recent industrial unrest in certain ESB power plants, I made clear that the conduct of industrial relations in the company was a matter for the management of ESB in association with its trade unions. The board has well established internal industrial relations machinery for addressing and resolving disputes.
However, in an effort to be helpful, I actively monitored the recent problems very closely in collaboration with all the parties involved and the Deputy will be aware of the recommendation made by Mr. Phil Flynn which secured an end to the unrest based on a return to full compliance with agreed procedures.
I have since met with both the board and with union leaders in ESB and I have stressed to all parties that the best way forward, in the era of competition now facing ESB, is to uphold and utilise agreed and tested procedures, relying on the climate of open dialogue and spirit of partnership which have been at the heart of the progress and growth experienced by the company in recent years.
