Results 441-460 of 2,815 for speaker:Tony Killeen
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: I propose to take the questions together. The House is well aware of speculation surrounding affairs at Irish Ferries and, in particular, the intolerable consequences upon the staff thereof who, against a background of threats to their livelihood, are being asked to take very important decisions from their perspective. Issues which arise for Irish Ferries and their staff must be addressed...
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: Deputy Howlin has raised several issues. I am glad the four Deputies have chosen to put down these questions because it is an extremely important issue which should be debated in the House. Members are aware it has not been the practice here for a Government representative to make a direct approach to a company in regard to issues such as this. The voluntarist approach has served us well....
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: IBEC has not enhanced its reputation in this matter but it is for that organisation to decide the approach it should take. I answered questions yesterday in regard to the role of the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Gallagher. I pointed out that when these ships are docked in Irish ports, regardless of the flag of convenience issue,...
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: The issues raised by Deputy Perry were addressed to some extent by the Taoiseach yesterday. He is correct that there has been substantial investment by the State in terms of training seafarers and other matters. It is reasonable to say this action was flagged by previous events in regard to the MV Normandy. However, we do not serve anybody's interests by pretending we have control over issues...
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: The current situation at Irish Ferries arises against a background of the company being quite profitable. It would have been difficult to predict that this issue would arise at this time, notwithstanding the point Deputy Perry made that issues had already arisen in regard to the MV Normandy. I am not entirely clear in regard to the implications of the PRSI exemptions, nor am I clear that the...
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: The first question from Deputy Broughan concerns whether management is prepared to withdraw the deadline and the level of pressure which can be applied. It is clear from what has been said by the Taoiseach and the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, that the message has been conveyed in strong terms. One would have to be out of touch not to be aware of what precisely is required.
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: I explained alreadyââ
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: ââthat we have effective labour relations machinery.
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: I do not accept that.
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: The machinery which has served this country over many years is the appropriate means to deal with this situation. Political intervention in matters of this nature has invariably worsened rather than improved matters.
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: Social partnershipââ
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: I am unaware as to whether the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, or the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, have received copies of the report referred to by Deputy Broughan.
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: I will try to find that out and will revert to Deputy Broughan with the information. The Deputy made the point that part of our defence has been that certain matters are not within our control and it is a jungle out there. I assure him that it is not the intention of the Taoiseach or this Government to wring hands on this matter. I welcome the information concerning the Scottish Executive's...
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: That is one of the possibilities which can be explored, provided we have the time to do so. That will be an important element of this matter. On what the national implementation body and the Labour Court can do, it is difficult to predict the outcome of this dispute. The week before last, I did not hold great hopes in terms of another dispute but it worked out extraordinarily well. It is fair...
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: I am not the Minister with that responsibility. I do not know the position but will find out. It is welcome that directives of this nature are under consideration because they invariably enter force with positive impact.
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: On the basis of the information available to me, there is no danger this precedent would cause effects in the manner outlined by Deputy Crowe. The difficulties that have arisen concern vessels operating under non-Irish flags. In the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, the workers clearly operate under the terms and conditions of Irish labour legislation. The dangers outlined will not...
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: In regard to Deputy Eamon Ryan's question on redundancy, as I said previously I do not have detailed legal advice at this stage. My understanding is that redundancies occur in a situation where the job has finished. It would seem that it is stretching it considerably to suggest a redundancy occurs where one worker is displaced and replaced by another. However, we have learned here and...
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: Deputy Perry asked about derogation. That is a matter on which I do not have much information but I will pursue it and come back to the Deputy on it.
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: The question raised by Deputy Howlin is the nub of the matter. These are real people in the Deputy's constituency or wherever.
- Job Losses. (29 Sep 2005)
Tony Killeen: Any of us in that position would be frightened at the prospect of trying to make a choice in the absence of quality information in a case where one has no confidence in the management of the company. I can see that is the position.