Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 5

Written Answers. - Commitments to B & I Unions.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

171 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on the current status of commitments given to the B & I group of unions by the ICG and the Government in February 1992, at the time of privatisation regarding the retention of all existing B & I shipping routes, the provision of extra capacity on the MV Leinster, the sourcing of an improved vessel on the Rosslare-Pembroke route, an upgrading of facilities throughout B & I, the replacement of B & I's container ships, the provision of long term sustainable employment in B & I and share ownership for B & I employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

As stated in reply to a similar question on 28 April 1994, the then Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications informed the House during the Committee Stage of the B & I Line Bill, 1991, that his Department had signed an agreement with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the B & I Line unions on matters relating to the sale of B & I to Irish Continental Group plc (ICG). The Minister placed the agreement on the record of the House on 17 December 1991 and informed the House that he had introduced an amendment to the Bill giving effect to the Government's commitments in the agreement with the trade union movement.

While it would be inappropriate to me to comment on the operations of ICG or B & I Line, which are both privately owned, I would point out that ICG has invested a total of £134 million since the purchase of B & L Line. Of this amount, £79 million has been invested in B & I Line divisions to expand, refurbish and modernise its services.

As I have pointed out previously, statutory responsibility for shipping policy generally, including container shipping, the registration of vessels, the crewing of vessels and ports policy rests with the Minister for the Marine.