Order of Business - 10th November 2009

Order of Business - 10th November 2009
Senator David Norris: I received the Cathaoirleach’s ruling in respect of the matter I proposed to raised on the Adjournment relating to Aer Lingus pensions. I accept that ruling in light of the fact the Cathaoirleach’s knowledge of the matter may be incomplete. I wish to ask if he might obtain for me further legal information with regard to whether the Minister has responsibility in this area. I am of the view that a strong case can be made to the effect that he does have such responsibility.
I raise this matter because Aer Lingus has applied for a certificate to allow it to develop a new, UK-based airline. The company will then transfer its aircraft into this new venture and when it has done so to a sufficient degree, it will make its staff in Ireland redundant and suggest that they apply for jobs at its new UK operation. This will have the effect of negating these people’s pensions and they will be obliged to negotiate in respect of new pensions. The Minister was obliged to sign off on this matter and therefore he has responsibility in respect of it. He is also a significant shareholder in Aer Lingus.
The Government should be concerned with regard to a situation which may duplicate that which obtained — quite disgracefully — in the case of Irish Ferries. In that instance, the services of Irish workers were dispensed with and foreign workers were brought in and paid much lower rates of pay. In addition, SR Technics also engaged in such behaviour. That company was permitted to sell off profitable elements of its business and one of its workers, who was ten weeks short of a full pension and who had been employed by it for 45 years, discovered his pension had been reduced by 50%.

Senator Dominic Hannigan: That is disgraceful.

Senator David Norris: It is an absolute outrage. It appears there is one rule for the rich and another for the vulnerable. I have been issuing warnings about this matter for quite some time.
While I am awaiting the Cathaoirleach’s ruling on this matter — I ask that he raise the matter directly with the Minister — would he be kind enough to permit me to ask the Leader if he will make time available for a debate on the airline industry and the piratical behaviour of both major Irish airlines? Ryanair is proposing to impose a charge of €100 on anyone who does not print off his or her boarding card. This is another attack on the vulnerable, namely, the elderly and those who do not have access to computers. How will such individuals travel to meet their relatives over the Christmas period or at any other time? There is a need for a full debate on the behaviour of the airlines and the way in which they are prejudicing the lives, welfare and pension rights of ordinary citizens. If the Cathaoirleach discovers that his hands are bound in respect of this matter — I still ask that he inquire into it further — then the House should have a full debate on it. The ordinary people deserve such a debate.