Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

The Minister has reassured me to some extent with regard to the position of the ESB. However, I am concerned in respect of what is happening with Bord Gáis in the context of its contracting work out to a company called Balfour Beatty. The process in this regard does not bode well for the future. I do not understand the technical aspects involved but binding national agreements were made to the effect that jobs would be maintained during the transfer. I am familiar with a well-established private company, M. P. Ryan Limited, in Clonmel, County Tipperary, and I am concerned about what is going to happen to its employees. These people have been treated very unfairly.

I tried to raise this matter as a Topical Issue. Deputy Martin Ferris raised it some time ago. While the Labour Court is examining the matter, the workers to whom I refer are being treated unfairly and are being pitted against the company that is providing the services. Pickets were placed at the premises of the company in Clonmel to which I refer, which had done all in its power to retain its employees and ensure that its various contractual agreements were fulfilled. It is sad when something of that nature occurs, particularly as the workers had good relations with the company and the latter was trying its best to look after them. Honest answers could not be obtained from Balfour Beatty and, as a result, legal advice had to be obtained and the Rights Commissioner Service had to be consulted.

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