asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the plans, if any, he has at any time in the future to allow Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta to implement in full the terms of the Labour Court Recommendation No. 11041 which is due from 1 October 1986; if his attention has been drawn to the enormous contribution made by the staff of both companies in reaching a profitable situation; if he is aware that the court's recommendation equals 4 per cent over 12 months and that the latest inflation rate is 3.4 per cent, and that taking deductions of PRSI and PAYE the nett increase in wages would be less than 3.4 per cent; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that Aer Motive, a fully owned subsidiary of Aer Lingus have paid their staff 8 per cent over 15 months as per the 26th round settlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Airlines.
It is the Government's view that pay settlements in the public sector should, where warranted, include a pay pause and be below the level of inflation. The terms of the Labour Court's recommendations in relation to Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta are not in accord with this policy. Naturally, the companies concerned are expected to respect Government pay policy.
That would seem to dispose of questions and priority questions for today. I had an indication of a Private Notice Question in the name of Deputy Gay Mitchell concerning a gas explosion in Dublin this afternoon but the Deputy is not present.
A Cheann Comhairle, would you wait until 3.45 p.m.?
Does the House agree to that?
I expect that Deputy Mitchell thought that questions would last until 3.45 p.m.
Therefore, is the House agreeable to the sitting being suspended until 3.45 p.m.? Agreed.