Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
450 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the contingency plan which Aer Rianta has in place to ensure that industrial action does not stop the operation of flights, in line with the Government direction of six years ago; the reason this was not put in place for the industrial action on 18 March 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9003/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased that SIPTU decided to call off its threatened industrial action at the three State Airports on Thursday last. I believe that any such action is unnecessary and unjustified and I look forward to a resumption of the engagement process between the unions and my Department, under the chairmanship of an LRC official, at which issues of concern to Aer Rianta workers arising from the restructuring of the company can be further discussed.
My Department is currently reviewing the position regarding contingency planning by Aer Rianta to deal with industrial action affecting State airports. I have directed my officials to consult in that regard with Aer Rianta and the Irish Aviation Authority and to seek to elicit also the views of the airlines. In light of recent events, I have directed my officials to report to me on these matters as a matter of urgency.
