Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Jun 1999

Vol. 507 No. 1

Written Answers. - Industrial Disputes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the industrial dispute at Kildare VEC which is resulting in the non-payment of numerous staff, including 64 VTOS students; the action, if any, he will take to identify a means whereby the issues in the dispute will be resolved; if a means will be found to alleviate the hardship for both students and staff in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16205/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am aware of the industrial relations situation in County Kildare VEC. The action referred to by the Deputy was deferred for one week pending discussions between my Department and the VEC to be held under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. The talks were held yesterday and were adjourned without a solution having been found.

The VEC and my Department have been in contact with the community welfare service locally with a view to reaching arrangements for dealing with hardship arising for VTOS or Youthreach students.