Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to hear the Minister of State met workers' representatives and I hope that continues with SIPTU and the other unions representing workers in the airport. What we have learned and experienced over the past number of months is that there is a sense among workers and those connected to the airport that the ethos of the airport is changing. The idea that it is a place where people are proud to work, earn a good living and have a future through which they can progress is being eroded. That is something for which the State has responsibility, from an aviation policy perspective. It is the job of the Minister of State, through all of her engagements, to change that and ensure the DAA, as a State body, becomes a good employer which offers well paid jobs. The staff who are passenger-facing have done an unbelievable job. They have put smiles on their faces and have been fantastic in terms of getting passengers onto planes. However, beneath those smiles they are suffering and they need the support and backup of Government to ensure they can enjoy a long and successful career in the airport.

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