Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Morgan asked if, at the time of the controversy, when Irish Ferries announced its decision, obstacles could have been put in the way then. In response I said that at the time, when the Labour Relations Commission was overseeing the negotiations between the two trade unions and the employer, there were different pressures on the participating parties. It would be wrong to take from that that representations were made to us in the context of the decision. This decision was based on the legal advice we received. We did not have any representations from the unions. The unions would not be happy with the determination made and they have articulated that. IBEC was anxious that the process would be speeded up one way or another.

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