Harney defends Govt handling of Irish Ferries dispute

The Tánaiste Mary Harney has defended the Government's handling of the dispute over Irish Ferries' move to replace its workers with cheaper labour from abroad.

The Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition has been accused of reacting too slowly to the move, which could threaten the future of social partnership.

Both sides in the dispute are due before the Labour Court today, but Irish Ferries is refusing to discuss the lay-offs.

Asked about the matter this morning, Ms Harney rejected suggestions that the Government had been lethargic in its response.

"These matters were before the industrial relations arm of the State in the past," she said.

"When issues come to that fora, it's important that everybody takes on board recommendations and seeks to implement them and that, unfortunately, didn't happen in this case.

"I hope that the matters can still be resolved at the Labour Court level."