Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Even if a new EU directive was there, it would not control this on an EU basis. Since last week, I have seen the companies involved at a European level, their flags of convenience and where their staffs come from. Subject to correction — or I will receive ten more letters from it — Irish Ferries was planning to register in Bermuda. Many other companies are registered outside the European Union. We have to resolve the issue but it will not be done simply by means of an EU directive on seafarers. That is what people on all sides of the industry tell me.

See this speech in context