John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The Farrell Grant Sparks report highlighted the clear warning sign given when Irish Ferries first brought up the issue of additional tax breaks some years ago. Moreover, the privatisation of the Normandy route which serves Cherbourg and Roscoff was another clear indicator that what is happening now was inevitable. Why did the Government not act in regard to the PRSI exemptions which ended in 2003, in respect of which the Minister is attempting to obtain agreement in Europe?

Despite major State investment, including the allocation of €51 million for the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy, County Cork, there was no emphasis on safeguarding jobs for seafarers. There was another clear warning sign from the Irish Maritime Development Office which received the sector's existing State aids and recommended their implementation. Why did the Government do nothing before now and why has it allowed Irish Ferries to make this outrageous announcement regarding compulsory redundancies?

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