Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I support Senators Morrissey and Daly in their calls for a discussion of the State Airports Act. Some serious difficulties have arisen at Shannon Airport as a result of Dublin Airport Authority's insistence on rationalisation taking place over the heads of the workers. Efforts are being made to close and limit services in the bar and restaurants under the guise of re-rostering of workers, where not enough staff are provided to keep the facilities open. This has been brought about by a consultant who has been engaged to rationalise in a way that attempts to bully workers into submission. Everyone recognises that there must be rationalisation at Shannon Airport but management must enter meaningful negotiation with the workers as soon as possible because this affects the future viability of the airport and the region. The bully boy tactics of the last week have been wholly unhelpful and prove that the separation has not taken place. A worse situation now exists where Dublin Airport has its boot on the throat of Shannon Airport.