Joe Higgins
Question:69 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his talks with ICTU leaders concerning Government plans for the future of CIE and Aer Rianta. [21999/03]
Other Questions. Bus Deregulation. - CIE and Aer Rianta.
Trevor Sargent
Question:71 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the discussions which have taken place in recent weeks between the transport unions in CIE and his Department officials regarding reform of CIE; and the timetable that he envisages for the break-up of CIE and the introduction of private bus operators on to the Dublin Bus market. [23150/03]
Joe Costello
Question:109 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding his discussions with the CIE group of trade unions on the future of CIE; when the last meeting was held; when the next meeting is planned; the progress which has been made with regard to meeting concerns of the workers regarding security of employment, pensions and terms and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23115/03]
Enda Kenny
Question:117 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on a meeting with a delegation from ICTU on 15 July 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19684/03]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 69, 71, 109 and 117 together.
In relation to the discussions between my Department and the CIE group of unions on the reform of the regulatory framework for public transport and the future of CIE, I refer the Deputies to my earlier reply to Priority Question No. 65.
Both I and senior officials of my Department have had a number of meetings with the ICTU and the group of unions in Aer Rianta with the aim of addressing any concerns on their part arising from the Government decision in July last to establish the three State airports at Dublin, Shannon and Cork as fully independent and autonomous authorities under State ownership. The meeting on 15 July 2003 involved an ICTU delegation and the Taoiseach, a meeting which I also attended.
Following the most recent of these meetings, the General Secretary of the ICTU and I are in correspondence on a number of points which had been raised by the unions in Aer Rianta. I pointed out that I regard the unions as key stakeholders in the context of the various consultations already under way in my Department with other relevant parties on the implementation of the Government decision. I have indicated to the unions that I remain available to meet with them again as required.
While I appreciate that there are some understandable concerns among the staff at the airports, I have made clear to their union representatives that there will not be any diminution in the tenure or the terms and conditions of employment of Aer Rianta workers arising from this decision. I have stated this publicly on several occasions and there should be no misunderstanding of my position on this important issue. I propose to reflect this position in the amending legislation which is currently under preparation to give effect to the Government decision.
These issues were covered by the earlier Priority Question and I was keen to move on to another question. I am in a state of shock regarding the earlier announcement about the NRA and I wanted to get to that. I will leave it on this occasion.
On moving the debt of Shannon and Cork airports to Dublin Airport, has the Minister put this proposal to his counterparts in the European Commission?
There is no requirement for me to put that proposal to the EU. We will work out the details of the debt between the three companies. I have made an announcement already about the overall shape of this proposal along the lines suggested by the Deputy, but I know of no requirement for me to put that debt position to the European Union.
What is the timescale for the proposed legislation?
The heads of the Bill were adopted this morning by the Cabinet and it has now gone for drafting. I hope the legislation can clear the Attorney General and the drafting process—
Is the Minister not waiting for the financial consultants? Is that not part of their brief?
We have all met groups from the different companies involved but a major concern is raised by those near pension age. They received a letter of comfort some years ago from the then chairman of CIE about pension rights. Can the Minister give a guarantee that those who have earned small pensions as a result of long service will have those pension rights safeguarded in any new arrangements?
The question is about Aer Rianta—
And CIE.
—but it is fully my intention to preserve the pension rights of everybody. I will ensure there is no diminution in pension rights. That is not at issue.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.