Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 1

Written Answers. - Aer Lingus Staff.

Ivor Callely

Question:

29 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position regarding Aer Lingus workers who were on secondment to TEAM and are now returning to Aer Lingus and require appropriate placement, particularly licensed engineers who require placement in a special line of work in order to renew their licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12949/99]

Ivor Callely

Question:

96 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise further to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 31 March 1999 regarding the sale of TEAM to FLS Aerospace, the number of employees who returned to Aer Lingus and were placed in positions matching their skills; the time schedule for placement to matching skills of the balance now left; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13077/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 96 together.

I understand that Aer Lingus is endeavouring to accommodate the former staff from TEAM as vacancies matching their skills arise in the airline. To date 50 of the 91 staff who did not accept terms for the transfer of their employment to FLS Aerospace have been accommodated with positions matching their skills. The airline is providing advice and assistance to the remaining 41 staff in terms of career planning. I have been advised by Aer Lingus that the number of technical vacancies in the airline is limited. Nevertheless, Aer Lingus intends that the remaining ex-TEAM staff will be given consideration in the event of future suitable technical positions becoming available in the airline.