DAIL DEBATES


Private Notice - Questions- Industrial Action

Sitting Time
Sitting Date
17:00 (5 o'clock)
13 November 2001
Text:

Mr. Kelleher: I ask the Minister to appoint a third party and name that person. This would help in finding out who is more entrenched. If an individual was named this might bring about a softening of positions. This is not just about beet growing farmers, it is about hauliers, contractors, etc. This issue will have to be resolved and I urge the Minister to name a person to come between the two sides to resolve this very serious dispute.

Mr. Davern: We are deeply aware of the effects. It affects 4,000
farmers and is worth about £60 million. There are about 650 direct
employees with many more independent drivers and other contractors. If we think naming a person who is willing to act will get the two sides together, we will certainly do that. However there are no signs that the two sides are willing to come together.