Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am replying on behalf of the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Humphreys, who cannot attend, for which she apologises. Naturally, she is very much aware of the regrettable ongoing issue at SK Biotek in Swords. I acknowledge that workplace disputes are never welcome news for workers, employers and the economy. That is why we hope this issue can be resolved as soon as possible.

As to how it has arisen, the Minister understands the company has placed a number of its employees on protective notice. This has resulted in the temporary laying off of up to 142 staff. Not all of the firm's workers, however, have been similarly affected. The company's decision followed a dispute between management and staff at the plant which had resulted in industrial action being taken in recent weeks. The company has stated its core manufacturing operations had to be closed down on account of the industrial action. I understand the company has written formally to the trade unions involved and asked that it re-engage with the firm through the Workplace Relations Commission. The Deputies have a different version, but it is something we can check out.

Clearly, it is in the interests of both sides that the dispute does not continue. As matters stand, the facility is not operating as normal and employees are temporarily out of work. Therefore, I urge both parties to engage meaningfully with each another and through the industrial relations machinery of the State in an effort to find a solution. I am also aware of how significant an employer the company is in the north Dublin area, with 370 people normally working at its facility in Swords. To be clear in responding to Deputy Joan Collins, we support all of those involved in job creation, both in indigenous companies of all sizes and multinational companies that locate here. We have a very pro-jobs environment, as well as a pro-employee environment. There is strong legislation in place to support it.

As this is a key industry with valuable jobs, it is important that the issue be resolved. Industrial relations disputes such as the one we are discussing are not easy to resolve. They can weaken trust between the workforce and management and cause great anxiety and concern for workers and their families. Clearly, they do not contribute to the positive enterprise environment we are trying to create in this country. The reality is that both workers and employers have rights and responsibilities that must be respected. I hope balance can be restored as soon as possible. That is why the Government will continue to urge both sides to the dispute to enter into constructive discussions as soon as possible. It is in the interests of all those involved to draw a line under the dispute which I hope can be achieved very soon by engaging in discussions through the industrial relations machinery of the State which does a good job in such situations. That is the job it was set up to do.

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