Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 66: To ask the Minister for Transport if he shares the view, expressed on 31 May 2006 by an Aer Lingus spokesperson, that a final deal with the trade unions on the flotation of Aer Lingus, will be reached by 10 June 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21944/06]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 116: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made by Aer Lingus management regarding the mandate to negotiate with the trade unions on a package of measures with the view to resolving issues of concern identified by the unions in relation to the proposed IPO of shares in Aer Lingus; the process in place to allow staff concerns to be addressed; the number of meetings that have taken place; the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21854/06]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 130: To ask the Minister for Transport when a final offer to trade union parties in the Aer Lingus flotation negotiations will be made; if a provision for compulsory redundancies will be included therein; and the deadline which will be set for the acceptance or rejection of same. [21895/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 116 and 130 together.

Following the decision on 4th April this year to proceed with an investment transaction by means of an initial public offering (IPO) of shares in Aer Lingus, I mandated Aer Lingus management to engage with the trade unions on the key concerns of staff in relation to a third party investment transaction which were job security, pensions and potential dilution of the employee shareholding in the company in the context of new shares being issued in the company.

I have been informed by Aer Lingus that since that mandate was given the Chief Executive has met with Impact and SIPTU on 7 occasions and has met with IALPA and the Craft Group of Unions on 6 occasions. Some of these were joint meetings while others were held individually. In addition, I understand that many other meetings have taken place with the trade unions at the level of the HR Department and local line management.

In response to the question raised about whether there will be a provision for compulsory redundancies in any final offer to the trade unions, my understanding is that the company has already tabled proposals in response to concerns about job security. I have been informed by the company that it expects to be in a position to put a final offer to the trade unions on all issues before the end of this week. I believe that it will be possible for both sides to agree a package of measures that will both address the key concerns of staff and facilitate a timely investment transaction for the company in the interests of all concerned.