Vol. 416 No. 3
31 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself as to the industrial relations situation in Dublin Port; if he will outline the steps he is taking to ensure that the level of disruption in future is reduced and minimised, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
41 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the abolition of the national dock labour scheme in the United Kingdom; and if he has any proposals to introduce a similar scheme for any ports operating under the Harbours Act, 1946, in this State.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 41 together.
I am aware of the abolition of the national dock labour scheme in the United Kingdom in 1989.
The Government have no proposals to introduce a similar scheme for ports operating under the Harbours Act, 1946.
In relation to Dublin Port and the other ports operating under the Harbours Act, 1946, industrial relations matters and rationalisation of stevedoring services at these ports is primarily the responsibility of the relevant harbour authorities and the companies and workers involved.
Dublin Port and all harbour authorities are expected to operate their ports efficiently and economically and provide the level of service demanded of modern ports today. It is, therefore, absolutely essential that operational structures, including those for dock labour forces, are streamlined so as to provide a modern competitively priced service.
In relation to reducing and minimising the level of the disruption to industry and trade in the future, I have had discussions with Dublin Port following the announcement on 19 February last of the preparation of a plan for liquidation of Dublin Cargo Handling Limited for implementation on 18 March next. I am assured by Dublin Port that in the intervening period up to the time of liquidation that the managements of Dublin Port and Dublin Cargo Handling Limited will continue to make every effort to seek a negotiated long term solution to the issue of rationalisation.
