Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Taoiseach the details of the agreement reached with the trade unions in July 2004, as part of the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress; if he will release a copy of this agreement as signed by both parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18178/05]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Taoiseach if he will publish the details of the agreement concerning the terms and conditions of employment at the second terminal at Dublin Airport reached between the Government and ICTU, which formed part of the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18440/05]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.

The following is the text of the relevant agreement with the ICTU in relation to the development of airport capacity:

Both the Government and the trade unions are committed to the ongoing development of the transport infrastructure together with the promotion of a high standard of quality secure employment in the industry. Accordingly, the Government and the ICTU are agreed, in the context of any development of airport capacity, and recognising the voluntarist nature of industrial relations, to support the objective of the maintenance of pay and terms and conditions of employment in line with the collective agreement then in place in the industry and to reflect the Government's support for the right to trade union membership for the purpose of collective bargaining in accordance with the principles of Sustaining Progress.

I should make clear that this agreement of June last was between the Government and the ICTU. Although negotiated at the same time, it does not form part of the mid-term review of SustainingProgress, and was therefore not an issue that was for discussion with or endorsement by IBEC or any of the other social partners.

The agreement was reached after talks with the unions from which it was clear that it was an essential matter for them and the broad constituency they represent, in order to allow them to finalise a deal on the second half of Sustaining Progress.