Shane Ross (Independent)

A motion in favour of social partnership was recently passed almost unanimously in this House. Today, the same trade union that is leading the drive for social partnership and promising industrial peace as its part of the bargain is calling a strike at Dublin Airport. We must ensure SIPTU can no longer have it both ways. These people are antediluvian in their outlook on industrial relations. They escaped from Noah's Ark several thousand years ago.

I commend Senator Norris for raising this issue because there is otherwise an extraordinary silence in this House about what is happening today at Dublin Airport. This is the most destructive measure that has been pointed at our economy for many years. The danger of what is happening is so clear that it merits some type of debate and a denunciation of SIPTU's actions. The damage it is doing threatens the proposed privatisation of Aer Lingus, something that could affect every taxpayer and every citizen, and it is being done deliberately and maliciously. It is also doing damage to the airline and the tourism industry.

The silence in this House in the face of SIPTU's actions is something of which we should be ashamed.