Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I did not suggest that the Taoiseach had given the green light for this disastrous series of actions by Irish Ferries, I said that the Taoiseach's comment that the Government could do no more created a perception of helplessness in the Government which Irish Ferries saw as a green light to act as it did. I would be the first to suggest that, from an economic perspective, Irish Ferries might be seen to be a well-run company, but in the current circumstances it is badly led. It is incumbent on the Taoiseach, as head of Government and leader of the country, to intervene at the highest level and give Irish Ferries that message face to face.

Everybody in this House believes that the Labour Court recommendations were the basis on which to build. My office, however, like those of other public representatives, has been inundated with calls from worried businesses and customers about the serious implications for our economy of taking out one quarter of the country's freight capacity. The Government should redouble its efforts. If necessary, the Taoiseach should request that the head of management of Irish Ferries call to his office to be given the message face to face that we do not want anything to happen which will damage our economy. In these circumstances Irish Ferries is badly led and it needs to hear that message clearly and directly.

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