Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 509: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will intervene to try and find a resolution to the official dispute by public servants within his Department to ensure that farmers' payments are not unduly delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41032/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 510: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in relation to the dispute by officials in his Department, he has intervened in this matter to date; the number of farmers affected by delays in their payments due to the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41033/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 and 510 together.

Agricultural Officers in DAFF, members of the IMPACT union, commenced an industrial action on 6th October. IMPACT allege that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has acted in breach of 'Towards 2016' by not informing the Union in advance of changes in work practices. The Department rejects this allegation. IMPACT has instructed its members:

To work to rule;

Not to undertake overtime;

Not to undertake tasks or functions associated with posts which have not been filled;

Not to participate in or cooperate with activities connected to what IMPACT term 'imposed changes';

Not to attend meetings with sectional management.

The issues involved have now been referred to the Labour Relations Commission by the National Implementation Body, with a view to achieving a swift resolution. A number of meetings have now been held with the Labour Relations Commission and these discussions are ongoing. The Department is also monitoring the effect of the industrial action on the processing of payments under the range of schemes, and is seeking to ensure the prompt delivery of these payments.