Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach has in no way given a green light to anybody to walk away from the norms of industrial relations practice. He was simply explaining last week that the full rigours of the industrial relations machinery have been applied to this problem for some time. He said he and the Government, and any responsible person, would always seek respect from all sides for adherence to this process. The Taoiseach has not given a green light to any activity that is not consonant with best industrial relations practice.

We want to see people's employment rights respected, in whatever industry they work. The Government has always sought to implement social partnership principles and has been the strongest advocate for these principles, on occasions when the Deputy's party had difficulty taking account of them.

Under EU maritime law there is a right of establishment for the reflagging of vessels. We have made it clear that until such time as that happens the full employment and health and safety law will apply in respect of the use of our ports, regardless of what flag the ship flies. The Fine Gael Party leader is aware of this right of establishment. Until such time as that happens we insist on respect for the industrial relations procedure and employment rights.

We seek to do that on the basis that everyone in this dispute recognises the implications, not only for this industry and those whose jobs are at risk, but also for the wider social partnership. The Government asks all sides to continue with their discussions at the Labour Relations Commission, which remains available and is anxious to see how these parties can be brought back to the table. At no time has the Taoiseach or the Government sought to excuse anyone who does not adhere to normal industrial relations procedures.

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