Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This House is convulsed by the proposed sacking of one individual, the Garda Commissioner, but I draw the Tánaiste's attention to the fact that a decision of Bord na Móna last week effectively sacked 122 workers in Tipperary. The decision of Bord na Móna's board of directors is having a major impact on the local community. We do not agree with the decision or the justification for it that has been put forward, but we have been told emphatically that the decision will not be changed and we must work with it.

It is in this spirit that, last Friday, we met the unions representing the workers at Littleton. As one would expect, it was a highly charged and, at times, emotional meeting. The five Tipperary Deputies attended the meeting and agreed to take a unified approach to the strategy to be employed. We requested a meeting with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, which was held yesterday. I thank him for being accessible and open and for showing a genuine concern for the plight of the workforce and community at Littleton.

During the meeting, we had a useful and constructive exchange of views on the actions required. We all came to the conclusion that there first needed to be a renegotiation of the redundancy package. Second, we requested an extension to the closure date of April 2018. Third, we asked that an alternative use for the remaining peat be examined. Fourth, we asked for a plan for the utilisation of the existing bog, plant and facilities.

A number of issues arise, one of which is the need to commence negotiations. I call on the management of Bord na Móna and the unions to enter into negotiations without preconditions on the understanding that the Minister and the board are not averse to the idea of holding discussions on redundancy packages and a time extension. I ask that the Government take responsibility in the matter, given that a cost would be involved in any time extension. That cost should be considered in the context of Bord na Móna's payment of a €10 million dividend to the State every year. It should be possible for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to reduce that amount by the cost, or €3 million, which should be set aside to ease the burden on the workforce at Littleton.

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