Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I will do so. It is critical that the Minister of State, his counterpart in the Depart of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Taoiseach now take action as my colleague, Deputy Howlin, has urged. Will the Government tell Eamon Rothwell and his management team they must withdraw the deadline and engage in no more outrageous and disgraceful intimidation of workers? Will the Government convey this message tonight? The company's behaviour is arbitrary and disgraceful.

Is it the case that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, and the Minister of State at that Department, Deputy Gallagher, have still not received a copy of the Sparks report? This report was compiled by respected consultants who examined the company and asserted that it would remain profitable beyond 2007 because it carries out a vital function for our island nation. Is it not extraordinary that Mr. Rothwell rejected this report before the responsible Minister saw it? Has the Minister seen it yet and what is proposed to be done about it?

The Minister of State says that the matter is not within the Government's control. He implies that the sea is a sort of jungle. This morning, we heard from Scottish trade union leaders that the Scottish Executive has successfully implemented a licensing system for all ferries and other vessels operating out of Scottish ports. To tender for a Scottish route, it is necessary to adhere to Scotland's rules on manning levels, conditions and wages. What is the Government doing about that? Yesterday, the Taoiseach wrung his hands. Can we have a licensing system to ensure that the disgraceful behaviour of the Irish Ferries management is not repeated?

In terms of the reference to the national implementation body and the Labour Court by the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, where does he expect these events will lead to? What can be done over the next few days?

The document I have before me, which was provided by the International Transport Workers Federation and SIPTU, is a draft EU directive from 2000 concerning ferries. My constituency colleague, Deputy Woods, and the great former Minister of State, Deputy Jacob both dealt with this matter at different stages.

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