Dáil Éireann - Volume 444 - 22 June, 1994

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Productivity Deal.

Ms McManus Ms McManus

7. Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has withheld his agreement to a productivity deal for electricians in the ESB negotiated by management and unions; if so, the reason he has withheld his approval; if he will sanction the agreement in view of the implications of a refusal for industrial relations in the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Cowen Mr. Cowen

Mr. Cowen: I have conveyed my agreement to the management of the ESB of their proposed pay agreement with the ESB electricians' union TEEU. I understand that the union is currently balloting its members with a recommendation for acceptance of the proposals and a result is expected later this month.

Mr. Gilmore Mr. Gilmore

Mr. Gilmore: When did the Minister convey his agreement to the management of the ESB?

Mr. Cowen Mr. Cowen

Mr. Cowen: I cannot give the Deputy the exact date but I will provide it in due course.

Mr. Gilmore Mr. Gilmore

402

[402] Mr. Gilmore: Did he convey his agreement after this question was tabled?

Mr. Cowen Mr. Cowen

Mr. Cowen: That is not the position.

Mr. Yates Mr. Yates

Mr. Yates: If it was, he would not tell us.

Mr. Cowen Mr. Cowen

Mr. Cowen: I can assure the Deputy that anything I do in the Department is not at the behest of Democratic Left.

Mr. Gilmore Mr. Gilmore

Mr. Gilmore: The Minister has done enough damage.

Mr. Cowen Mr. Cowen

Mr. Cowen: If the Deputy is ever on this side we will see how much damage he will do.

Dáil Éireann 444 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. ESB Productivity Deal.

Questions

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