SIPTU wants State to protect shipping sector

SIPTU has called on the Government to fund and implement a range of measures to save Ireland's shipping sector.

The union said Marine Minister Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher indicated his support for a number of State aids recommended by the Irish Maritime Development Office earlier this year.

However, it said none of the recommendations had been implemented.

SIPTU said the Government currently had a huge surplus of Exchequer funds and these should be used to pay for the establishment of State aids to protect Ireland's shipping industry.