asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a statement to clarify the position regarding Eurocontrol and the Shannon centre.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Air Traffic Control Centre.
21.
The new Shannon centre is being established for the automated control of air traffic in the Shannon Upper Flight Information Region. It will replace the present manually operated centre.
The first phase of the new centre is expected to be available for operational service before the end of 1975. The growth rate of future air traffic will determine when the second phase will be required. Present indications are that this may be some time in the 1980's.
The question of the centre being operated by Eurocontrol was under consideration for some time. In the light of developments both in relation to operating concepts, the higher cost that would be involved and the personnel problems which were foreseen, I decided, in agreement with the Director General of Eurocontrol, that air traffic control in the Irish upper air space, including the new Shannon centre, will continue for the foreseeable future to be operated by the Irish Air Traffic Control Service on behalf of Eurocontrol.
I am happy to be able to tell the Deputy that arrangements are in train for a formal opening of the Shannon centre by the President of the Eurocontrol Commission on 2nd July next.
Is it not a fact that the air traffic control personnel in Shannon will only be acting as agents for Eurocontrol in this case? Is it not also true that they will be acting as agents and doing the same work at lower standards of pay than if they were working for Eurocontrol as was originally intended?
The control of the upper air space as it now is will be a matter for the Irish Government who will employ air traffic controllers to handle it. There is a difference in the salary scales applicable to the Irish employees and the Eurocontrol personnel. That is true.
Would the Minister not agree that it is unfair to expect these people to work at lower rates of pay than they would have if they were working for Eurocontrol direct?
The Deputy is talking of two different things. These people are working on salaries negotiated between their union and my Department. If Eurocontrol took over full-time operation of the centre these people would have to apply to Eurocontrol for positions and would operate at salaries negotiated between their union and Eurocontrol. At present they are operating on the salaries agreed between their union and my Department.
Would it not be only fair to give them the opportunity of negotiating with and working for Eurocontrol since it is the policy of Eurocontrol to employ Irish people in Ireland as with other nationalities in other countries?
It is not the policy of Eurocontrol to employ any particular nationalities anywhere. They employ competent people to operate air traffic control centres and the personnel may be of any nationality and may be posted to any of the Eurocontrol stations. Anybody in the Irish air traffic control centre who wants to work for Eurocontrol is quite free to apply to Eurocontrol.
But the personnel in air traffic control at Shannon will be working as agents for Eurocontrol?
No, that is not so. The Irish Government will act as agents for Eurocontrol and will employ the personnel necessary.
At lower wages.
No. At the rate of wages negotiated.
Is it not a fact that negotiations have been going on for a higher grading system for these employees?
We must get off this question. I have given Deputy Barrett a lot of latitude. Question No. 22.
Quite possibly their union is in negotiation for higher rates of wages but that is normal employee-employer negotiation that is going on all the time.
Is it not true that the Minister's decision to continue to act as agents is contrary to what was originally negotiated and agreed with Eurocontrol to start from 1st January?
No.
I have called the next question. The Chair should be obeyed in this matter.