Vol. 418 No. 4
15 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Marine if he will clarify the effects of the proposed liquidation of Dublin Cargo Handling on the deep sea section of Dublin port; if he supports the proposals by the Dublin Port and Docks Board; if he will outline the steps if any, he will be taking to ensure continuity of service for shippers and ships agents of deep sea freight using Dublin port in the short term future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the High Court appointed a liquidator yesterday to wind up the operations of Dublin Cargo Handing Ltd — Dublin Cargo Handling — in the deep sea sector of Dublin port.
The management of Dublin port is a statutory function of the Dublin Port and Docks Board. Responsibility for industrial relations matters and decisions in relation to the structure of stevedoring arrangements in the deep sea sector are a matter for the board and their now liquidated wholly owned subsidiary, Dublin Cargo Handling. The board considered all the options available to them to improve the competitiveness, profitability and reliability of the stevedoring service for port users before reaching their decision to proceed with liquidation of Dublin Cargo Handling. I was disappointed that my initiative to bring both sides back to the table for discussions under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission last week, while successful in so far as Dublin Cargo Handling and the workers agreed to participate, regrettably, failed to resolve the matters at issue and avoid the liquidation of Dublin Cargo Handling.
In relation to the continuity of service for shippers, I am advised by Dublin Port and Docks Board that the liquidator will endeavour to have new stevedoring structures in place as soon as practical.
I understand ship operators have in place alternative transport arrangements which are serving their needs and the needs of industry.
Is the Minister aware that Dublin port accounts for over 50 per cent of the value of our sea trade? Therefore, would he agree it is vital there not be a prolonged dispute at this port? In addition, is he aware that the liquidator will render all 218 staff redundant this afternoon? In those circumstances what steps will the Minister take to avoid dispute by ensuring that the £4.5 million redundancy and compensation package on the table last week remains on the table as opposed to mere statutory redundancy? Furthermore, would he agree that a prolonged dispute would greatly erode the importance of and need for a secure and competitive Dublin port?
I am, of course, very concerned about the present and future conditions at Dublin port. I am particularly anxious to ensure that the port will be free to develop to meet the rapidly changing needs of the present day. So far as the liquidator is concerned, the Deputy will, of course, appreciate that the courts have appointed the liquidator and naturally it would be premature for me to become involved in the issue immediately. As soon as the liquidator has had an opportunity to assess the situation I will seek an early meeting with him so that I can make known my concerns. In any event, we can spell out our concerns about the port very clearly here today. Dublin port is one of our major ports and it serves the central corridor. I am primarily concerned about retaining jobs, restoring the service to port users in the deep sea sector and maximising the development and employment potential of the port through a high quality service which is competitive, economically sound, profitable, reliable and efficient. I want Dublin port to be capable of availing of the opportunities which exist. We now have an opportunity, within the European Community and with the Structural Funds which are available, to develop to meet the challenges which are on offer there. I am very anxious to see this taking place and to see Dublin port developing. The Deputy can be assured that I will do everything I can to meet the concerns which he has expressed.
This dispute related to 26 per cent of the port — the Dublin Cargo Handling element, the deep sea section. Will the Minister ensure that the remaining 74 per cent of the port — the terminals which deal with oil, the B & I terminal and other individual terminals — will not be affected if there is a dispute? Will he also ensure that the enormous trade there which is vital to the economy will be preserved come what may? Will he give a commitment that the Government will ensure that that is done?
I think the Deputy will accept that the Government will do everything possible to maintain the port, particularly that part of it which is not directly affected by the dispute. That will certainly be our objective. There was a certain amount of goodwill during recent days but unfortunately it was not possible to find a solution to the dispute. On the basis of the goodwill which existed, I hope solutions can be found.
