Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I am uncertain as to what SIPTU want us to do on this issue. It is currently before the Labour Court and will come before the Labour Relations Commission within the next few days. The process by which we had asked it to be dealt with is being followed. This has been ongoing for a long time and there are frustrations at all levels. The company can make quite a good case in terms of how long it has tried to negotiate. I do not agree with what it did, however. SIPTU has to deal with all of that as well. I am not clear if Jack O'Connor's statement yesterday means that if he does not get a full resolution with Irish Ferries, which may not be in the hands of Government, social partnerships or the Labour Court, he will not continue as a social partner. I am not sure if that is his position.

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