Written answers

Thursday, 5 November 2009

10:00 am

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Transport his contingency plans in the event of wide scale strikes at major airports here; if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 15 October 2009, he has had further communications with Aer Lingus; the contact he has had with the Dublin Airport Authority and the unions in order to avoid wide scale disruptive actions at airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39632/09]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports and as such the preparation of a contingency plan in the event of a strike is a matter for the company.

In fulfilling its remit the DAA has informed me that it seeks to ensure that continuity of service is maintained across the wide range of services it provides to airlines and passengers. I understand that the DAA has strategies, policies and contingency plans to deal with unforeseen events and managing crisis situations, including those situations where service is disrupted. A key aim of the DAA is to have systems that reduce the potential for disruption in the first instance and where the disruption occurs to manage the safety and security of passengers and airport employees.

The risk of disruption due to industrial action by any grouping of its core staff can be minimised by a willingness to engage with and use the industrial relations machinery of the State when matters of dispute arise. In this regard, I am informed that the DAA has a registered agreement with the Labour Court that provides for a "no strike clause" in respect of potential industrial action by the fire and police emergency services during the lifetime of the agreement. Issues concerning the scope or alteration of the agreement are resolved through the normal third party mechanisms and if necessary through binding recommendation of the Labour Court.

However, in circumstances where, for whatever reason, the safety and security of the travelling public were to be compromised due to the withdrawal of key labour, the DAA would be faced with no choice but to suspend airport operations. I understand that, after careful consideration of issues involved, if the board and management feel that this is the appropriate action, then such action will be implemented.

In relation to Aer Lingus, as I outlined in my response to Question No. 11 earlier, decisions on commercial and operational matters at Aer Lingus are a matter for the Board and management of the Company and it is not open to the Government to intervene in such matters. I was not briefed by the State-appointed directors or by other representatives of the company of the details of the restructuring plan in advance of its announcement to the Stock Exchange on 7th October. A representative of the company briefed officials from my Department on the details of the plan immediately following the announcement.

I would encourage all parties to engage constructively in the consultation process that is currently underway on the restructuring plan. The industrial relations mechanisms of the State are available to assist in reaching an agreed outcome for all concerned.

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