Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 199: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the recent resolution of the industrial dispute at Irish Ferries; the progress which has been made at EU level by the Government on advancing the EU ferries directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3131/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Labour Relations Commission brokered the registered agreement that resolved the recent Irish Ferries dispute referred to by the Deputy. As responsibility for the commission rests with my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, I do not consider it appropriate for me to report to the Dáil on the resolution of an industrial dispute entered into under the auspices of the commission.

There is no EU directive on the manning of regular passenger and ferry services operating in and between member states, in force or being considered at present by member states. If the commission were to initiate such a proposal, I would give it very careful consideration.

At the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, held in Brussels on 5 December 2005, the Minister of State with responsibility for the marine at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Gallagher, raised the issue of the Irish Ferries dispute and requested the European Commission to consider revisiting its former proposal on the manning conditions on ferries operating between member states.

The Commission responded by indicating that its priorities were to continue to encourage dialogue between the European social partners on the manning of ferries issue; to pursue the implementation of International Labour Organisation standards in Community law, and to study all possible solutions to safeguard employment in the maritime sector.