Tánaiste ‘confident’ two major EU presidency events will go ahead despite strike

The Tánaiste said he is confident that two major EU presidency events will go ahead in Dublin next week, despite a nationwide industrial strike scheduled for next Thursday.

Union members are preparing for a 24-hour national walkout on the same day as a major EU presidency event.

A massive security operation will be in place around the two EU presidency events, which will see around 50 heads of state visiting the Irish capital.

The looming strike action will put further pressure on an already stretched security operation.

A rank-and-file Garda work-to-rule is also planned in the days around the event in a dispute over their working conditions.

Speaking in Co Cork ahead of the Fine Gael Ard Fheis taking place this weekend, Simon Harris said that everyone needs to put “less effort” into “thinking about the strike” and more effort into resolving the situation.

Trade unions and Government officials are holding further talks with an independent body to resolve the long-running dispute over public sector pay.

Mr Harris said the independent expert panel, chaired by the Workplace Relations Commission’s Kevin Foley, has been intensively engaging with both sides in recent days.

“I think the next natural step, I hope, to see now is both sides, Government and unions, being back in a room, trying to take forward the talks,” he said.

“Let’s remember the context here, though.

“The Government of Ireland wants to increase the pay of public servants.

“We want to pay them more.

“We want to increase their wages, and we want to do it now.

“And against that backdrop, we should be looking for resolution rather than disruption.

“I take the serious point about the major European events that are here next Thursday, but certainly what will be concerning people more here in Middleton and across Cork and across Ireland is: Will my child’s school be closed? Will my hospital appointment be cancelled? What will it mean for me going about my daily life?

“We don’t need that disruption.

“And in fairness to, and I must say this in a constructive fashion, in fairness to those working in the public sector, I imagine the overwhelming majority of them would much rather be in their workplace, carrying out their vital public service next week too.”

Mr Harris said there is a “significant” period of time between today and next Thursday.

“I’m also aware of the fact though that as you get closer to the day of the strike, it does become harder to find resolution,” he added.

“I’d respectfully suggest there’s a few key dates between now and perhaps the end of the weekend, starting next week, to really try and get this issue moving forward.”

The Fine Gael leader said the Government has been assured by Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly that the security plans he has in place to oversee the major EU events are to “his satisfaction”.

Mr Harris said he is confident the events will go ahead next week.

“But what I’m also saying is this: it’s Friday. There’s a window to disruption next Thursday. Let’s use it,” he added.

“So rather than anybody just kind of planning the strike, let’s plan the resolution and let’s really work intently on that.

“We’re up for it.

“I’ve no reason or indication, in fairness to union leaders, to believe they’re not.

“But let’s just try to get the job done here in everybody’s interest.

“Because whether you’re a union leader or a politician, we all actually want to see people working in the public service get a better wage.”