Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It began on my invitation and was agreed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Government as employers. All the unions, including the one which the Deputy has said has suggested protective strike notice, is involved in that process. Best industrial practice means there cannot be an escalation of disputes when there is an ongoing discussion for the purpose of trying to find a way forward and trying to coincide the public interest with any aspirations public servants have for their future work. We must get on with that job, which cannot be dealt with in the context of the action taking place.

It is a matter of particular regret to me that this is occurring in an office which has been, in the past, an excellent example of how the public service provides an important service to the public in a very competent and professional way with a quick turnaround. We must get back to that position. Every year temporary staff are always taken on at this time and overtime is provided to deal with the greater workload. That has always been facilitated and will continue to be facilitated. It has been sought but there has been a decision not to co-operate with the policy which must be lifted. The only way to deal with a backlog of 44,000 applications is to see that this happens.

The modification of the union position this morning, moving from issues of life and limb to trying to provide the service to everyone who needs it, will not be possible without extra temporary staff and overtime. We must get on with the business and there is another forum being facilitated by people who are expert in industrial relations in order to deal with general issues. That should be allowed and we cannot have an escalation when there is a facilitation of discussions agreed between congress and the Government as employer.

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