Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
53 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the latest information available to him on the industrial relations situation in the ESB and the threat of industrial action arising from the major deficit in the company’s pension fund, especially in view of the danger that it could lead to electricity blackouts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25636/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe industrial relations situation in ESB is a matter to be dealt with in accordance with the established industrial relations procedures within the company and is not one in which I have a function. That said, however, I understand that a number of local branches of the TEEU, one of the ESB group of unions, has recently tabled motions for industrial action and that these relate to the question of how the current deficit in the ESB's pension fund should be addressed.
The matter of the pension fund deficit is cited by the Labour Court in its recommendation of 19 July 2004 as one of the issues needing to be addressed in the context of the current industrial relations situation in ESB. I should explain that the intervention of the Labour Court came at the request of the National Implementation Body in July of this year at a time when strike action was under active consideration by ESB staff.
The pension fund issue, along with pay, employee shareholding and organisation and industry change, is now the subject of the current talks process established under the Labour Court recommendation aimed at resolving this situation.
I understand that the ESB group of unions has since been actively engaged in the Labour Court process and has met with Mr. Peter Cassells, the appointed facilitator, and with ESB management on a number of occasions. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Department of Finance, and ESB management are also involved in the ongoing process with Mr. Cassells. Because of the sensitive nature of the issues being discussed at these meetings, it would not be appropriate to go into greater detail at this stage.
