Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

The Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports and, as such, the preparation of a contingency plan in the event of a strike is a matter for the DAA.

In fulfilling its remit, the DAA seeks to ensure that the maintenance of continuity of service across the wide range of services it provides to airlines and passengers. I understand the DAA has strategies, policies and contingency plans to deal with unforeseen events and managing crisis situations, including those situations where service is disrupted. A key aim of the DAA is to have systems that reduce the potential for disruption in the first instance and, where the disruption occurs, to manage the safety and security of passengers and airport employees.

The risk of disruption due to industrial action by any grouping of its core staff can be minimised by a willingness to engage with and use the industrial relations machinery of the State when matters of dispute arise. In this regard, I am informed the DAA has a registered agreement with the Labour Court that provides for a no strike clause in respect of potential industrial action by the fire and police emergency services during the lifetime of the agreement. Issues concerning the scope or alteration of the agreement are resolved through the normal third party mechanisms and, if necessary, through binding recommendation of the Labour Court.

I am satisfied that both DAA management and unions are engaged in talks to resolve the outstanding labour relation issues under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission and, consequently, the threat of closure of the airports on 2 April has been withdrawn.

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