Taoiseach dismisses Labour Bill as unconstitutional

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday dismissed a Labour Bill aimed at addressing the Irish Ferries jobs displacement stand-off, saying it would be unconstitutional.

Citing the Irish Ferries plan to replace Irish seafarers with cheaper foreign labour, Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte said the issue was the primary reason for the breakdown of social partnership talks.

Speaking during leaders’ questions in the Dáil yesterday, Mr Rabbitte challenged Mr Ahern to act, given that he has already condemned the Irish Ferries proposal.