Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Gilmore for his comments. Powers are available under various Acts to a Minister, and in this case the Tánaiste, in respect of interventions in disputes. The use of that statutory power does not guarantee an outcome, nor does it provide us with the means by which an outcome may be achieved. At the request of the National Implementation Body, a reference to the Labour Court for further discussion was made. This took place on Saturday but did not prove successful. Contact continues between the Labour Relations Commission and both sides in the dispute. There is a need for both sides to be minded to use the process in a way that is beneficial in respect of an outcome to the dispute. The process of engagements behind the scenes, away from public view, between the Labour Relations Committee and both sides is part of that exercise. It is a matter of judgment in terms of how this proceeds. This is the best way in which to try to see how the matter can be resolved.

The Government is aware of the various provisions introduced by the 1990 Act to augment and supplement previous powers. We have a voluntary process of industrial relations for obvious reasons. It is open to the Minister to use these powers if we believe it will provide a resolution to the dispute. Simply bringing people to the Labour Relations Commission, or the Labour Court in this instance using these powers, does not in itself guarantee an outcome as we have seen from the engagement thus far. Contact and communication continues with both sides to see if it would be timely to return to the commission to see if a resolution can be found. These powers remain in reserve and are available.

See this speech in context