Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Nov 2001

Vol. 545 No. 1

Written Answers. - Aer Lingus.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

72 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will make a statement on the matters discussed and conclusions reached at the meeting with the trade unions on 31 October 2001 to discuss the future of Aer Lingus. [26581/01]

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

123 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will report on the meeting on 31 October 2001 with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26814/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 123 together.

The Taoiseach and I met representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions – ICTU – on 31 October regarding the future of Aer Lingus. The shared priority of both sides was to secure the future viability of the company. It was agreed that this would require the urgent implementation of an effective survival plan.

The ICTU representatives emphasised the importance of appropriate terms for those leaving the company and of an agreed approach to the reorganisation of work for those remaining. In this regard, the ICTU highlighted the need for continued efforts to secure investment in the company and the desirability of focusing on measures that would generate real savings in the company's cost base. It was agreed that the Government and the ICTU would remain in close communication in parallel with the discussions continuing on the survival plan between Aer Lingus and the unions concerned.