Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I agree that all Members of the House wish to see a resolution of this dispute as quickly as possible. We have industrial relations machinery in place. Engagement with the Labour Relations Commission has not been exhausted. We are bringing forward the Labour Relations Commission as a means of dealing with many of these issues without getting to the ultimate position of the Labour Court. The work of the Labour Relations Commission is not exhausted.

Quite apart from the need to resolve this dispute quickly, there is a need to find some means by which co-operative approaches can be established in the relationship between the parties. It is an issue in respect of pay, the strike and what arises out of that, the background to it and the need to improve relations. The Labour Relations Commission remains the best available option based on the engagement to date. The National Implementation Body, which has a strong status in industrial relations procedures, is the body that referred this matter to the Labour Relations Commission in the first place. We do not have a resolution to this dispute. We wish to see a resolution as soon as possible. I urge the parties to redouble their efforts to resolve the issues in dispute. The only way in which they can find an equitable resolution is through that method.

It is to be deeply regretted that attempts to resolve the dispute have so far failed but it is not an indication in any way of complacency on the Government's part regarding the use or non-use of statutory powers. The Government, through the independent industrial relations machinery available through the State aegis of the Labour Relations Commission stands ready and is engaged with the parties in an effort to find a basis upon which a resumption of discussions might have the prospect of success. That work is continuing and a precondition to success.

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