Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Yes, it was a number of months ago. I first heard of the decision to offer an attractive redundancy package some ten minutes before it was announced in the media, and I heard it third or fourth hand. While I did not have to be told, as the line Minister I could have been advised in advance and could possibly have entered into negotiations or discussions at that time.

On 12 October I met David Begg and the union representatives from SIPTU and the Seamen's Union of Ireland, who made a number of suggestions to me. The following day I met my colleague, the Minister of State responsible for labour affairs, and pursued some of those suggestions, but with no success.

I met last Wednesday evening with the representative of Irish Ferries. I made clear to him my disappointment at the company's attitude, given that the company had provided an assurance that there would not be a problem on the Irish Sea in the future. I asked him when the company might be subject to flagging out, which my legal advisers have not yet clarified can be done. The day may come when I will have no option but to accept this approach, but I must have all the facts at my disposal. I posed the question to the Irish Ferries representative with regard to the transition that might take place but I was not even afforded the courtesy of being told it was taking place within 24 hours. The House can fully appreciate my attitude when I was not even advised on the matter. I might not have been able to do anything about it but I certainly would have given advice on what should be done, and that common sense should prevail. I hope it will prevail.

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