Press Release: Pat the Cope discusses potential UK-Ireland bi-lateral agreement and urges Commission to re-introduce manning directive

The Irish Marine Minister, Pat the Cope Gallagher met with his UK counterpart, Steven Ladyman, in Brussels on 5 December 2005, to discuss the Irish Ferries situation and concerns for maritime employment in the UK and Ireland, particularly on Irish Sea routes. Minister Gallagher also raised the issue at the Maritime Transport Council later that day urging the European Commission to consider re-visiting the former proposal on pay and conditions on ferries operating between Member States, which was withdrawn by the Commission in 2004.