Seanad debates

Tuesday, 7 February 2017

2:30 pm

Photo of Rose Conway WalshRose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I refer to last night's programme on RTE. I commend RTE for the service it has done in highlighting the problem of waiting lists. It is not a new phenomenon to us as we deal with it every day, as we have for the past few years. It is deplorable that Minister for Health after Minister for Health, including Deputy Micheál Martin, Mary Harney, Senator James Reilly and the current incumbent, has presided over a situation where thousands and thousands of people throughout the country wait in pain without being able to obtain treatment.The crux of it is if I need an MRI scan tomorrow morning and I produce €250 or €300, I will get the same MRI on the same equipment with the same consultant within ten days, but if I do not have the money I have to wait in pain. The people who have been responsible for delivering that type of health service should hang their heads in shame.

I want to raise an industrial dispute issue in my own area. Hastings Garage in Westport recently imposed compulsory redundancies on three members of staff. Ex gratiapayments were recommended by the Labour Court for all three, with one employee to be given the option of returning to employment at the garage. The company has made it clear that it will not abide by this second ruling concerning payments. No explanation was given as to how the redundancies were chosen.

The Government’s industrial relations strategy is contradictory and utterly useless. These industrial disputes can often be viewed as legal proceedings going on in the background. In reality these disputes have led to great hardship for families, many of whom are already struggling. The Government has been at pains to instruct Bus Éireann workers and others to go to the Labour Court and abide by its recommendations. Here we have a case where a ruling has been made but one party refuses to abide by the decision. The Government cannot, on the one hand, hide behind the excuse of urging engagement with the Labour Court, yet in other circumstances remain completely silent. I would like to have the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation explain to us here in the House exactly what the Government's strategy is to deal with industrial unrest.

It does not have to be that Minister. I know the Taoiseach is acutely aware of this dispute within his constituency. There is a basic need to stand up for fairness and to be seen to do so. We have enough problems with creating and keeping jobs in the west. It is vital that fair play is seen to prevail in this situation. I urge the Government to intervene to ensure that the right thing is done for these workers and that the company is made to adhere to the Labour Court ruling.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.