Seanad debates

Wednesday, 26 January 2011

11:00 am

Photo of James CarrollJames Carroll (Fianna Fail)

I ask that the Minister for Transport would with urgency come to the House for two reasons. The first and primary reason concerns the crisis that is developing at Aer Lingus. I have received numerous representations from people in mid-Louth, south Louth and east Meath who are staff or customers of Aer Lingus and who have been caught in the middle of this row. Ultimately, this problem will be solved but the breakdown in communication between management and staff will not lead to a positive working relationship in the future. If the industrial relations mechanisms within the State are needed, I urge the Minister for Transport to act swiftly to get those in place.

The second reason I want the Minister for Transport to come to the House is to consider the issue of rail infrastructure for the north east. There is an industrial rail line from Navan to Drogheda and many people have been in contact in regard to the idea of possibly developing this into a commuter line. As a commuter myself, I believe the Minister should urgently examine this issue, coupled with the idea of re-opening Dunleer train station, which is necessary.

Most urgently, as other Senators have said, we could be in the last hour of the Oireachtas as we know it. There is talk the Independents might not vote for the Finance Bill in the Dáil, which is of serious concern. If Independent Members in this House have any influence on Independent Members in the Dáil, I urge them to put pressure on them. Ultimately, we must get the finance Bill through the Houses for the good of the country; it is critical that it be passed. Whether we are on the road within an hour and I am back knocking on doors in County Louth and east Meath within two or three hours, I still believe it is critical the finance Bill be passed for the good of the country. I ask the two Opposition parties in this House to use whatever influence they have because I hope we will all be back in the next Dáil and Seanad and we must have a strong and stable country. I ask Independent Members in the Dáil to act as strong Irish citizens for the good of all.

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