Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Those who favour competition will say it will lead to more jobs and growth, whereas those considering liberalisation will say it could result in job losses and a deterioration in working conditions. There is a fear that profitability margins dictating policy and procedure will have negative effects on those companies that have been working at the port over the years and which have invested heavily therein.

The issue of the workers also arises. I am from a dockland community and know the way in which workers' rights, conditions, health and safety and a proper working wage have been fought for and negotiated down through the years. I can remember a family who were involved in the button system and all the abuses that occurred at that stage. I acknowledge the work of some of the unions, particularly that of the Marine, Port and General Workers' Union under the late Jimmy Dunne. There are fears.

The Competition Authority is pushing for more licenses. This will bring in other companies that could bring in workers at the minimum wage or lower. How can the traditional companies and traditional dockland families who have been doing their jobs year after year and handing down the tradition compete with that? The wages and conditions of those in this group are seriously compromised, as could be health and safety.

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