Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
65 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to increase employment for seafarers here in view of recent job losses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31282/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding world class training for Irish seafarers and increasing Irish seafarer employment are important priorities for this Government. I share the Deputy's concern at the possible consequences for Irish seafarer employment of Irish Continental Group's 20 October 2004 announcement of its plans for restructuring its Ireland-France ferry service. I note that ICG have indicated that it has no plans at present to restructure any of its other ferry operations such as in the Irish Sea.
Since fiscal relief is important for the development of any EU member state's maritime sector, I recently successfully engaged with my colleagues, the Ministers for Social and Family Affairs and Finance, to authorise the reintroduction of the employers of seafarers PRSI refund scheme, with effect from 1 January 2004, for a period of seven years. The scheme, which had ended on 31 December 2003, significantly lowers the cost of employing Irish seafarers and I would expect that this valuable concession will underpin Irish seafarers' employment into the future. With a view to further protecting Irish seafarer employment and Irish-based ship operations, I am reviewing with our shipping sector's dedicated development agency, the Irish Maritime Development Office, the State aids in place for our shipping sector. Irish ship operators should not face competitive disadvantages because of State aids enjoyed by competing ship operators based in other member states.
A seafarer training grant scheme, administered for the Department by the Irish Maritime Development Office, has recently been restructured to make it more user-friendly. Seafarers who wish to upgrade their qualifications to enhance their career prospects can avail of grant-aid under the scheme. I am confident professional Irish seafarer employment can be maintained into the future.
Is this not too little, too late? Has the Minister of State considered any action plan to create alternative employment in light of the imminent loss of jobs at Rosslare and the 24-hour strike from Thursday morning, notice of which has been given to the Minister of State?
This is largely a matter for the private sector. The Government is concerned. It appreciates the importance of the ports and the important service Irish Continental Group and other carriers provide for Irish goods, services and the people. It should be remembered that 99% of Irish goods in volume terms and 86% of goods and services in monetary terms are exported through the ports. I am working in co-operation with my colleague, Deputy Coughlan on this matter, because of the concern expressed by those who are shipping live animals. At the request of my colleagues and of some of the Deputy's colleagues, the Wexford Deputies, I met them following this announcement. I subsequently met them again and representatives of the unions concerned, SIPTU and the Seamen's Union of Ireland and made it abundantly clear that it would have been improper for me to intervene. All I can do is facilitate those meetings.
At this stage it is not even a matter for the Labour Relations Commission because a matter of principle is involved. This dispute is not a question of financing, time or efficiency but about a principle. The Deputy will be aware of the thinking behind this. Irish Continental Group has informed the Government that this action must be taken to allow the company become more competitive. It also suggests that State aid is given in other countries. My predecessor and I have pursued this possibility. I have written to the Competition Commissioner about this matter. If the evidence is available I would be anxious to pursue the matter vigorously.
I am quite disappointed that as an island nation, Ireland has not been afforded concessionary terms in order to compete. Brittany Ferries certainly avail of subsidised services. Has the Minister of State any plans to create a task force in Wexford in light of the significant job losses and the little chance of other seafaring jobs there?
If Deputy Perry or anyone else can provide me with concrete information about State aids in other countries, I would be delighted to receive it. I am anxious to ensure a level playing pitch, as is everyone in this House. The Deputy is correct, we are an island nation with no land bridge to Europe. It is therefore vitally important that we maintain a sea link and a level playing pitch. Irish Continental Group has proposed to bring in workers from eastern Europe. If the ships are flying the Irish flag, it would be obliged to ensure that minimum wages are paid but the ships will be flying the flag of another country. The Department has examined this matter but it seems we have no jurisdiction over that.
I am concerned about the escalation of the situation. Thursday's strike has been flagged for some time. The union has approval from its members for industrial action. I understand a 24-hour strike is proposed for Thursday. At the weekend Irish Continental Group decided to cut short the service by five days. Even at this late stage and bearing in mind the importance of the service to the Irish economy I again call on the two unions as there are two unions involved and SIPTU and the Irish Continental Group to enter into meaningful discussions — I am not saying negotiations — with a view to ensuring that the proposed industrial action does not take place.
Will the Minister of State visit Wexford?
The time for this question is concluded.
It is very important. The Minister of State has not been there.
The effects of this on the constituency are abundantly clear to the Government.
It is important that the Minister of State visits.
