Taoiseach denies breaking Aer Rianta promises
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has denied claims by trade unionists that the Government has broken promises to consult workers before moving to break up Aer Rianta.
The division of the company into three separate entities was announced yesterday by Transport Minister Seamus Brennan.
Mr Ahern claimed today that the Government has been consulting unions about the move for the past year.
He also said that consultation would continue for another year before the plans were implemented.
"I promised them consultation, we've had a year of it and we've promised them another year of it so hopefully by this time next year we'll have enough of consultation," he said.
Mr Ahern also called on unions representing Aer Rianta workers not to engage in any industrial action over the break-up of the company.
The unions have already announced a work stoppage in Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports next Monday so employees can discuss the plans, which unions fear will lead to job losses and the eventual privatisation of the three airports.
The unions have also refused to rule out an all-out strike if their concerns are not addressed.
"I hope they do nothing to damage employment or economic action in any action they take because that certainly wouldn't be in the interests of their members," Mr Ahern said.
