Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021
140. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he has received representations from air traffic controllers requesting his intervention and investigation into the activities and conduct of members of the executive team of the Irish Aviation Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44687/21]
View answerIn recent days I have received email correspondence from many individual air traffic controllers outlining their concerns regarding workplace issues within the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). This correspondence was also copied to members of the Oireachtas, the IAA, and my Department. The issues raised in this correspondence are matters which fall to be addressed by the Board and Executive of the IAA. I have sought and received a briefing from the IAA, on the concerns raised in the correspondence, and on the unofficial industrial action which in recent months has resulted in temporary staff shortages at State airports.
As with any industrial relations matter, it is in the best interests of all parties to utilise established dispute resolution processes, which I understand in the IAA's case includes the Internal Dispute Resolution Charter and processes, the adoption and operation of which have been jointly utilised by the IAA and its staff representative bodies for some time now.
With this in mind, and in the wider context of an aviation sector that has been severely impacted by Covid-19, perhaps now is an opportunity for reflection and re-engagement by the parties involved.
