Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 December 2004
35 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the information available to his Department on the impact on Irish trade, particularly Irish exports of the industrial dispute involving employees of a company (details supplied) that has led to a suspension of all its services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33741/04]
View answerThe information available to my Department is that Irish Ferries account for an estimated 25% of the total roll-on roll-off capacity available on cross channel routes. This does not include other modes of transport such as air transport. At present, Irish indigenous companies appear to be switching to alternative ferry services on the remaining 75% capacity available, and availing of ferry services from ports in Northern Ireland to meet their exporting needs. Air freight services are also being used as an alternative, where appropriate.
The situation with regard to foreign multinational companies based in Ireland is that these companies usually produce goods with high value-to-weight ratios, which are typically exported by air. In addition, an increasing proportion of trade by multinational companies is in services, which are "exported" in digital format or by using global telecommunications links; and also these companies often use international couriers or specialist freight forwarding companies to transport their output.
At this stage of the dispute, therefore, there appears to be no major disruption to exports on the part of Irish companies in the internationally traded sector. However, I am acutely aware that the longer the dispute remains unresolved, the greater the potential adverse impact on Irish exporters. I can assure the Deputy that I will, therefore, be keeping the situation under close observation during the coming weeks. In the meantime, any companies experiencing difficulties can contact Enterprise Ireland for advice.
