Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Jun 1994

Vol. 443 No. 9

Written Answers. - Irish Continental Group Commitments.

Alan Shatter

Question:

35 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself that the Irish Continental Group have complied with and implemented commitments given to Government at the time of the acquisition by them of the B & I Group; the extent to which he and his Department have followed up this aspect of matters; and the action, if any, proposed by him to ensure that commitments given are complied with.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the agreement signed in December 1991 by the Department of Tourism, Transport and Communications with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the B & I Group of Unions, on matters relating to the sale of B & I to ICG. That agreement acknowledged the legitimate concerns of the trade unions in relation to the future development and ownership of B & I and the strategic national shipping interest. It duly noted the matters of particular concern to the unions in such matters as future investment programmes, employment and terms and conditions of employment and affirmed ICG's intentions in relation to these matters.

The agreement also made reference to the trade unions' strong view that the then Minister had a pivotal role to play in ensuring that these declared intentions were fulfilled. I can confirm again to the House, as I did yesterday, that in the exercise, now, of my responsibility as Minister for all shipping policy matters I am willing to examine the 1991 agreement in consultation with all interested parties to determine how expressed concerns can be met. I would say again that the question of delivering on declared intentions made in 1991 is one that should be addressed seriously by unions with ICG in the first instance, but we are prepared to examine these intentions to see what implications, if any, currently arise in the context of shipping and economic policy generally.