John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The point I make in regard to the PRSI exemptions is that the EU will agree to them because it is the standard practice in other territorial waters. If the PRSI exemptions were in place, the actions now taken by Irish Ferries would not have arisen. It seems the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Gallagher, knew of this situation 18 months ago but failed to act. The result is that seafarers, Irish people educated here, are being forced out of work. This is not an issue that arose years ago, this is an immediate problem and it is affecting people now. The Minister of State has said he is now seeking derogation for Irish Ferries until permission is forthcoming from the EU for the PRSI exemption. Why has the Minister waited until now to seek permission from the EU? That is the problem.

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