Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to update the House on the action being taken by the Civil and Public Services Union in the Department's local offices. In February CPSU members in those offices voted in favour of industrial action to secure what they considered improved promotion structures.

The industrial action commenced in the local offices with effect from Tuesday, 18 March 2003. Union members decided not to perform normal duties arising from telephone calls and faxes. In addition, they refused to perform duties at reception desks. The services provided from our local offices are essential to the farming community in the context of cattle movements to factories and marts, as well as the various direct payments to farmers which are critical to their income position.