Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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195. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the engagement he has had with Bord na Móna regarding the wage cuts being imposed on seasonal workers by the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14978/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Bord na Móna is facing significant business challenges in the context of the deregulation of the electricity market and increasingly competitive and challenging environments across all its business areas. In order to ensure its continued success, the Company is implementing a programme to transform all areas of its operations and structure, the key objective of which is to improve business effectiveness and efficiency.

The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the company and not one in which I, as Minister, have any role or function. However, I have raised the matter with Bord na Móna and have been advised that management and Union representatives are currently involved in discussions under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission on a range of issues relating to business transformation in the company. These discussions include areas related to the terms and conditions of employees, including seasonal workers. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on this matter while these discussions are in progress.