Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I raised the issue of Irish Ferries and we have examined what can be done on a European and international basis. The EU has not agreed regulations on this, mainly because many international ferries coming in from large ports of the world are importing into Europe and exporting, but are not bound by conditions there. It is not seen as practical to control them. This is not inter-Europe trade without external involvement. That is the difficulty and it is felt it is not possible to control this.

I hope Irish Ferries will follow the Labour Court rules though it does not seem as if people want to follow the recommendation. Ferries are of major importance to us because we depend on them for imports and exports. People involved should attempt to resolve this matter rather than entering the dangerous position of conflict, causing major difficulties in terms of imports and exports. All issues in this matter should be resolved but I do not get a sense that people are prepared to do so.

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