Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy knows better than most that we have very good industrial relations machinery within this State. The Labour Court intervened and it has a long history of resolving disputes, as the Deputy and I know well. This dispute will be resolved. They are always resolved in the end, but it is about the pain people have to go through in the interim. We are committed and we have asked the parties to go back to the Labour Court. What we need here is cool heads. We need to leave the egos at the door and get back into the negotiating room. I am saying that to both parties. If everyone sticks to their own position, we will never find a solution. As the Deputy and I know, a solution will be found, but I am thinking, as she is, of those who cannot go on their holidays. I am saying to both parties that they should start talking. This will be resolved. They should use the mechanism that is there, which is the Labour Court. There has to be compromise; they have to talk. It is concerning that the Labour Court met both parties yesterday and they were too far apart. They should get back to the table and resolve this issue. There is a solution. There is always a solution.

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