Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Agricultural officers in my Department who are members of the IMPACT union commenced industrial action on 6 October. IMPACT alleges that the Department has acted in breach of Towards 2016 by not informing the union in advance of changes in work practices. IMPACT has instructed its members to work to rule; not to undertake overtime; not to undertake tasks or functions associated with posts which have not been filled; not to participate in or co-operate with activities connected to what IMPACT terms "imposed changes"; and not to attend meetings with sectional management. It has also been indicated by IMPACT that other phased action is being planned.

My Department has indicated its readiness to avail of the conciliation and arbitration processes provided for in Towards 2016. However, IMPACT is unwilling to engage in this process, citing the need for additional expertise over and above that available under the conciliation and arbitration scheme. The assistance of the National Implementation Body has been sought on the matter and a meeting will take place tomorrow as a matter of urgency. My Department is also monitoring the effect of the industrial action on the processing of REPS payments and is seeking to ensure prompt delivery of these payments.

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