Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As employer, the Government is of course available to engage with its employees and their representatives in regard to any industrial relations matters that arise, and matters certainly arise at present. Obviously, however, we have to find a realistic basis upon which that engagement can take place. Using existing and well-established channels of communication regarding the handling of the current dispute provides us with a means of seeking to explore whether that is in fact possible. The Government has always been very clear that it is interested in having a meaningful dialogue but there is no point for either side in just having a dialogue. We need to find a realistic basis upon which that engagement can take place, and we are anxious that this becomes possible as soon as is practicable. The Government has always been and will continue to be of that view.

At the same time, the escalation of disputes can force management to become involved in proportionate responses. As opposed to the current situation, we would rather have people conduct a discussion around a common vision for a reformed public service that will meet the needs of public servants and can best provide for their concerns, both individually and collectively, by trying to find a constructive and positive agenda upon which we can progress matters, .

On the question of public service contracts, this comes back to being able to deal with these matters against a stable industrial relations background that can best be negotiated and provided for in that context. The whole question of redeployment and flexibility in regard to where and in what circumstances people can work and provide their skills within the public sector is an issue that would form part of any drive for a modernisation of the public service, on which we would be anxious to engage.

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