Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I indicated in my reply, this is an industrial dispute and, of course, my Department, through the IDA, is in daily contact with the company. The services of the Labour Court and the Labour Relations Commission are available to the parties at all times, which are also provided through my Department. We have a well-established voluntary system of industrial relations. It is important to maintain the independence of that operation.

We have learned over many years that ministerial intervention in disputes could serve to politicise them. We need to allow those with professional experience in the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court to work with the parties to find a solution. That is the approach I urge both sides to take. There needs to be a time for reflection following this decision and, as the Deputy urged, for careful consideration of the potential implications as people consider how we can move to resolve this dispute. As I indicated, the services of the agencies under my Department are fully available to the parties to assist in any way they can to resolve the dispute. The stakes are undoubtedly very grave and I urge people to take up those offers.

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