Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Consider me duly reminded.

Next week, Aer Lingus pilots will begin industrial action, starting with indefinite work to rule. This action has the overwhelming support of the pilots in both of the ballots they conducted, and there is no doubting their resolve in this matter. Aer Lingus has stated the action would cause significant disruption to its operations. For their part, the pilots say management keeps insisting that pilots must sell their working conditions in exchange for any pay increase and that they are absolutely not prepared to do that, especially when Aer Lingus is making enormous profits. The facts bear this out. Aer Lingus's profits increased by 400% last year. Its management and the pilots' union, IALPA, must re-engage, get back around the negotiating table and hammer out a deal. This is the only way this dispute will be resolved. We are less than a week away from the start of the industrial action, so there is time to reach a resolution. However, time is running out and every day lost makes industrial action more likely.

We cannot underestimate the impact of the uncertainty, particularly on those considering travelling to Ireland for a holiday this summer. The Government has a role to play in this regard. I have some experience of industrial relations and understand well that we will not resolve this dispute here on the floor of the Dáil, but I also know when high-level intervention is required. This is one of those times.

Aer Lingus and the routes it serves are of significant national importance for business travellers and leisure travellers alike, for connectivity and tourism, and, more important at this time of the year, for the tens and thousands of workers and families who have saved hard for their annual holiday and are worried sick that they will not be able to travel.

Two years ago, there was chaos at Dublin Airport. This is still fresh in people's minds. The reputational damage done by the chaos should not be underestimated. The hands-off approach of the Government at the time meant the chaos continued for too long. This morning on the radio, we heard from business owners in the tourism sector who are extremely concerned about the impact of the potential industrial action, as they see their bookings slow down and brace themselves for cancellations. The tourism sector is still recovering from the pandemic. All those involved, including business owners and workers in bed and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants and the experience economy, need a good season this year. Therefore, I call on the Government to intervene.

As reported this morning, the State's industrial relations mechanisms believe the sides are too far apart to engage in trying to seek a resolution to the dispute at this time. It is, therefore, incumbent on the Government to do so. Given the seriousness of this dispute for families and the wider economy, there is a need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Transport to engage constructively to get all sites around the table now. Every influence needs to be brought to bear to turn things around and ensure a successful outcome. The key is to get both parties back around the table, with meaningful objectives and willingness to strike an agreement. Industrial action is not in anybody's interest.

The Tánaiste knows what it is like for so many families. They put their deposit down at Christmas and spend the next couple of months either saving up or paying off the cost week by week or month by month while looking forward to their holiday. People are working hard and under enough pressure and therefore want to know with certainty that they will be able to go on the holiday they have saved hard to afford. What does the Government propose to do to reverse the industrial action scheduled by Aer Lingus pilots next week? This is far too serious to look away.

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