Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the increase in the number of days lost to strike action in 2009, which according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office increased from 4,179 in 2008 to 329,706; if she has measures in place to improve this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11241/10]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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During 2009 there were 329,706 days lost to industrial disputes as compared with 4,179 days lost in 2008. The majority of days lost in 2009 were due to two major strikes that occurred in the second half of the year. Both of these disputes together accounted for approximately 90% of the total days lost during 2009. The two main disputes were first, the national Public Sector dispute that took place in November and secondly, the dispute involving electricians employed in the electrical contracting sector that occurred in July. While the increase in the number of days lost through industrial disputes reflects a more turbulent economic and business environment, the incidence of strikes in Ireland remains historically low. The total of days lost through industrial disputes in 2008 constituted the lowest ever level of industrial action since records began to be compiled in 1922.