Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Does the Taoiseach agree the prospect of a successor to the Sustaining Progress agreement will be bleak if the management at Irish Ferries is allowed get away with its acts of piracy against its workforce? Given the overwhelming support for the Irish Ferries workers and the significant rejection of the management of Irish Ferries, what further steps can the Taoiseach take to impress on that management that it should not proceed with its plans for re-registration and re-flagging of its ships? Will the Taoiseach accept that such a step on the part of the management is absolutely essential if we are to have a resolution to the current difficulties?

Given the strategic nature of the role played by Irish Ferries in terms of trade and commerce and our dependence on the sea for the importation and exportation of essential goods, would now be an appropriate time for the Government to consider a buy-out of Irish Ferries, to ensure that it is in State control and that we can guarantee the uninterrupted continuation of the essential supports that this economy requires as an exporting country?

Will the Taoiseach avail of the opportunity this afternoon, on his own behalf and that of the Government, to join the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in urging full support for its call for a mass mobilisation of support this Friday on the streets of Dublin? The call the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has made is being answered and prepared for by people from every walk of life throughout this State and island. Will the Taoiseach and his Government recognise the fundamental importance of the role of Government and congress in terms of social partnership, support the appeal from ICTU and give a rounded endorsement to its call for maximum support for Friday's demonstration, if all other efforts in the meantime have not overcome the current difficulties imposed by the management of Irish Ferries?

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