Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct in that I am advised that there was a Labour Court recommendation in February 2015 and it backed the implementation of the restructuring but subject to a number of amendments. I am not, nor would I in the normal run of events be, aware of the detail of the dispute or the issues in the dispute, other than that I would agree with the Deputy, or certainly I would say on my own behalf, it is important that there should always be meaningful consultation. It is important that the industrial relations machinery of the State should be availed of. That is what I hope and expect would occur in these circumstances. Beyond that, I would not, as Minister, be in a position to comment on the specifics, other than to urge the parties to ensure that they avoid an escalation of the dispute and that they do so through the available third party machinery that is in place.

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