Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Minister for allowing this Private Notice Question to be taken. Is it not the case that this dispute in a very critical part of Irish industry has been rumbling on for the best part of a year, particularly the past three or four months? Have the Ministers for Transport, and Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Taoiseach not been very lethargic in seeking a resolution? Clearly if the strike proceeds next Thursday the damage to the economy would be very significant. I ask the Minister to quantify the extent of the likely disruption. We have had reports that the plans of approximately 80,000 passengers would be totally disrupted, involving perhaps 700 flights into and out of the country. People have to wait an agonising week to discover whether they can travel.

Air traffic control officers are one of the most important safety-critical workers in the country. In view of the Minister's answer is he taking the point of view that it is fair enough that air traffic controllers should be required to work overtime and on rest days in this of all jobs? We heard Michael O'Leary talking this morning as usual about the kinds of rewards workers earn which he presumably does not want them to have. However, is it now Government policy that in this critical safety role air traffic controllers should be required to work unlimited overtime on an ongoing basis? Is that acceptable given the critical profession in which these men and women work?

I understand there are 300 air traffic controllers at the moment, with the majority based at Shannon because approximately 300,000 or 400,000 flights that overfly the north Atlantic are protected and routed from there. Why have new staff not been recruited in recent years? Does the Minister approve of the IAA having a cap on staff numbers, which has led it in recent months to the need to scramble around to get alternative workers? From reading its annual report, I understand the Irish Aviation Authority is one of the most profitable if not the most profitable per worker of all State agencies. It recorded a turnover of €134 million in 2006 and after tax profits of €13 million in the same year. Is it not the case that it has funding to expand the number of air traffic controllers to ensure this critical function is carried out safely?

The Minister mentioned the LRC and the Labour Court meeting on Monday. On behalf of the travelling public and those who have made plans for Thursday, some involving onward connecting flights, I urge the Minister to ensure the dispute is brought to a successful conclusion in coming days and to ensure people do not have their travel plans and their lives messed up over this dispute.

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