asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he intends to appoint any worker-directors to the board of Aer Lingus in accordance with EEC guidelines.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aer Lingus Board.
26.
I have at present no proposals for the appointment of worker-directors to the board of Aer Lingus. I assume that the guidelines to which the Deputy refers are the draft proposals which have been drawn up by the Commission of the European Economic Community in this connection. The responsibility for the examination of these proposals rests with the Minister for Labour and I understand that such examination is at present in progress in his Department.
Is the Minister aware that three airlines—British Caledonian, Lufthansa and Air France— have already introduced worker-directors to their boards? In all cases, and particularly in the case of Air France, it was very successful. Would the Minister consider introducing the necessary legislation in order to comply with these guidelines?
As I have said in my reply, the Minister for Labour has this subject under consideration at the moment. I am sure the Deputy will agree that it would be undesirable that State companies under different Departments should make their own arrangements. It is much better to have a uniform policy emanating from the Department of Labour, which would act as a guideline to all Ministries.
Is the Minister further aware that it is alleged that the Aer Lingus board have a very negative approach to such proposals? Would he agree with this?
I would not. Even if it were true, this has nothing to do with the Aer Lingus board. This is a matter for me and for the Minister for Labour to decide.
In view of the fact that the other airlines I have mentioned have already done this, would he not consider it important for our national airline——
I have already said that the Minister for Labour is drawing up proposals to do this.