Seanad debates

Wednesday, 21 January 2004

2:30 pm

Photo of Joe O'TooleJoe O'Toole (Independent)

I also wish to raise that issue, although I do not believe it would be helped too much by the introduction of the Minister at this stage. I have previously asked for debates on industrial relations. Something sad has happened to this country in recent times. If any of us faced a situation where our job security or that of our children, friends or neighbours was suddenly undermined, we would fight for protection and security of tenure in a way that was fully understood by all. That is all that is being done by these workers at the airport. They are not trying to hold the country to ransom or to close down Aer Rianta or the airport. They are not trying to embarrass the Presidency; they are trying to protect themselves and their duty and responsibility to their families, children and so on. Perhaps criticisms could be made as to how people go about doing that. However, I recognise that the Minister has at least tried to meet their needs, inform them of their rights and give them that sense of security. I hope that is happening today, namely, that those two issues are being bridged.

It is extraordinary that we have reached a situation where the national newspapers day in, day out consider with contempt the idea that people would want security of tenure in their employment. If any of us in any job — apart from our current job — were told our jobs were at risk, whether they were or not, one could imagine the fear and shock it would create. I ask for understanding in that regard. It may well be that people have other things to say about Aer Rianta but what the workers have asked for, that is, security of tenure and understanding of the business plan for the future, is reasonable. The Minister has responded positively and I hope both sides can bridge that gap and sort the matter out. When that is out of the way, I would like the Minister to come to the House to talk to us.

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