Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

On the basis of the information available to me, there is no danger this precedent would cause effects in the manner outlined by Deputy Crowe. The difficulties that have arisen concern vessels operating under non-Irish flags. In the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, the workers clearly operate under the terms and conditions of Irish labour legislation. The dangers outlined will not automatically arise from the attempt by Irish Ferries to displace its staff. However, it is useful to be warned that a constituency is pursuing this agenda. I am satisfied that the machinery of the State in terms of legislation and support mechanisms would be strong enough to deal with this situation were it within Irish jurisdiction. The minimum wage, which was increased this year, is sometimes found not to be paid. We eventually manage to track down offenders. A system exists to redress breaches of the rights enshrined in our legislation.

In terms of redundancy, a slightly different situation obtains. We are awaiting detailed legal advice and no redundancies have as yet been notified. In a situation where workers were thrown out of their jobs because a factory was closing, the State would be obliged to move quickly to look after those workers and ensure their rights are honoured. That is not the case in this matter. I do not view as an automatic right that a company in this situation would be able to come with a begging bowl to the State.

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