Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

The action of the air traffic controllers is purely and simply economic blackmail because air traffic control is a vital service that is essential to the economy. Damage has been done to the 20,000 travellers, tourism, our exports and the image of the country. We have no chance to secure economic recovery unless it is on the basis of a competitive economy. To give in to this economic blackmail would undermine any chance we have of restoring a competitive economy.

When the former Taoiseach attempted to give himself and his senior Ministers a €38,000 salary increase there was an outcry because the spotlight was thrown on the rewards of high office in this country compared with other countries. That is what has occurred in this case because the benefits received by the 300 air traffic controllers in this country are totally out of line with their counterparts in the United States, Britain and France. The equivalent of 30% of every controller's salary is paid towards their pensions. They work 182 days a year, and have 137 rest days and 36 days holidays in addition to ten public holidays. They work a 35-hour week. They are entitled to a break of 30 minutes for every two hours worked. They work five days and then get three days off. I am not complaining about those benefits, but it is a bit rich to attempt to exert this economic blackmail when we know and they know the country needs this vital service. The attitude of the Minister for Transport and his policy of non-intervention and non-interference are unacceptable. I ask the Leader to address this question. What is the Government going to do about this issue? It is unacceptable that they would block the upgrading of basic technology - in many cases a Windows-based system. We need to upgrade technology across our economy. Taking this action when this service is vital for air safety is unacceptable. I ask the Leader to address that issue with the Minister for Transport, who should come into this House to account for his actions.