Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2022
20. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if the Government has received representations from the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Transport regarding a bilateral agreement for the establishment of a minimum wage corridor on sea ferry routes (details supplied). [18595/22]
View answer22. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the practical steps that his Department will take to realise the proposal by the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Transport regarding a bilateral agreement for the establishment of a minimum wage corridor on sea ferry routes arising from the recent decision by a company (details supplied) to dismiss its 800 United Kingdom-based employees and replace them with employees on less than the United Kingdom statutory minimum wage including those working on the Liverpool to Dublin route given the support for the proposal by Minister for Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18718/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 22 together.
Firstly, let me reiterate that this Government is seriously concerned by the lack of consultation or notice offered by P&O in relation to its decision in the United Kingdom, which is contrary to all acceptable industrial relations practice.
I can confirm for the Deputy that I have received correspondence from the UK Secretary of State for Transport in relation to issues arising from that decision taken by P&O in the United Kingdom. As yet, I have not received any detailed proposals from the UK administration. When received, my Department, in conjunction with Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment which has responsibility for labour law in Ireland will review and consider appropriate action to be taken in the matter.
Maritime transport is a global and mobile industry and requires a global response to ensure effective regulation. It is important in the first instance that flag states take responsibility for their fleet and that the Maritime Labour Convention (which Ireland ratified in 2014) is appropriately applied and enforced. Only then can seafarers have confidence in maintaining a sustainable career. My Department continues to work at international level through the International Maritime Organisation and EU to strengthen the protection of seafarers
Irish employment rights legislation applies to workers – national and non-national - on board Irish registered ships. If a similar situation arose with an Irish employer here and with Irish flagged ships, Ireland has a suite of employment rights legislation to protect and support workers. In relation to ships that are not Irish registered, as a general rule the flag state (i.e. the state where the ship is registered) has exclusive right to exercise legislative and enforcement jurisdiction over ships on the high seas.
