David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

The Minister indicated the normal reaction to an unofficial action is to suspend a worker with pay. Is it normal to tell someone he is off the payroll? What mechanism is in place to provide for this? Is that the equivalent of sacking somebody on the spot? Is the Minister saying it would be preferable to suspend workers with pay and hold discussions? Will he receive a report on the dispute from the LRC or the company when it is resolved? Will he investigate it further to ascertain what improvements can be made in order that such an action cannot happen again? Does he agree it is most important to ensure services resume as soon as possible while the talks are ongoing or is he saying the talks should conclude, an agreement should be finalised and everything signed up before services resume?

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