Written answers

Thursday, 17 April 2008

5:00 pm

Photo of Deirdre CluneDeirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Transport the way the establishment of an independent airport authority at Cork Airport under the State Airport Acts 2004 will affect the employment rights of persons currently working at the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14892/08]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The recent decision of the Cork Airport Authority (CAA) to accept the recommendations put forward by Peter Cassells with regard to the separation of the CAA from the DAA will allow the airports to proceed with the next steps for separation. A process of engagement will now commence with all the relevant parties on implementation and the technical and legal issues involved will be progressed by the airport authorities and my Department.

It is my intention to proceed without delay to effect the full separation of the three State airports as set out in the State Airports Act 2004. This process will involve the preparation of revised business plans taking account of the Cassells' recommendations. In due course the business plans would be submitted to the Minister for Finance and myself for approval.

Also as part of this process, there will be a need to engage in necessary consultation with stakeholders. In this regard the Minister recognises that there is an understanding with ICTU concerning the framework for consultation with trade unions on the airport business plans.

I wish to reassure all concerned that the legal commitments enshrined in the State Airports Act concerning the protection of terms and conditions of employment of State Airport employees, as well as the requirements for consultation on future collective bargaining structures, will be honoured in full.

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