The Taoiseach has told the Dail that he expects the Government team inquiring into the Ryanair dispute to complete its work before Easter. He also urged all the parties involved to co-operate fully with the inquiry, so that it could bring its work to an early and satisfactory conclusion.
Referring to a complaint of victimisation made to him by SIPTU after three baggage-handlers were sacked by Ryanair last week, Mr Ahern said the inquiry team was looking into the complaint. He also said he had received a communication from the chief executive of Ryanair, Mr Michael O'Leary, reaffirming the company's commitment to co-operate with the inquiry team in discharging its brief, including any alleged breach of the terms for a resumption of work.
Earlier in the day the inquiry team issued a new appeal to the parties involved in the dispute to "refrain from unnecessary public statements which could exacerbate the situation". It said that a considerable number of companies and groups had sought meetings with the team and these were taking place.
Tomorrow Business and Finance magazine is to carry a lengthy interview with Mr O'Leary about the company. A spokeswoman for Ryanair said it was "a normal media interview that was given in the normal course of events".
Besides the main parties to the union recognition dispute, Ryanair and SIPTU, several companies have sought meetings with the inquiry team, as have at least 14 groups representing non-union Ryanair employees.