Govt ‘powerless to prevent re-flagging of Irish Ferries’
30/11/2005 - 08:14:15Marine Minister Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher has insisted the Government is powerless to stop Irish Ferries re-registering its vessels abroad.
The company wants to remove the Irish flag from its ferries and register in Cyprus under a so-called "flag of convenience".
The move is part of a cost-cutting plan that has also seen Irish Ferries attempt to replace its existing workers with cheaper labourers from Latvia.
Opposition TDs have demanded that the Government prevent the company from re-flagging its ships, but Mr Gallagher has insisted he cannot do so.
While condemning the actions of Irish Ferries, the Marine Minister said he had sought the advice of the Attorney General and believed he was required to give consent for the move under EU law.
