Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for her question. It is very important that this matter be resolved quickly. As I pointed out, every single industrial relations dispute is resolved. It is important to acknowledge that both parties to this dispute have a strong track record in dealing with the industrial relations infrastructure of the State. They have resolved disputes previously through that mechanism. It is an independent mechanism and it has intervened today. That is why I said it is very important not to make a political judgment ahead of the work of the independent industrial relations infrastructure. The parties are sitting around a table today. An intervention has been made. We hope both parties will come together in positive, constructive and well-meaning talks and will achieve a resolution.

The Government has stated clearly that this dispute involves a private company. As I said, we have very strong industrial relations machinery. The State's play, as it were, is to put forward the availability of that machinery, both by way of the Labour Court and the WRC. That provides a safe space for both parties to sit around the table and discuss their differences. It is the mechanism upon which the Government relies. I keep in contact with the Labour Court at all times. It is so important that we achieve a resolution.