Both sides in ferry dispute urged to renew attempts to end strike

The two sides in the Irish Ferries dispute were urged yesterday to renew attempts to end the strike at the company which is now in its second week.

The strike by ships officers, members of SIPTU, is in response to the company's decision to outsource employment next year on its service between Rosslare and France. All of the company's sailings have been cancelled since the strike began on Monday last week.

SIPTU official Mr Paul Smyth yesterday called on the Minister of State for the Marine, Mr Pat "the Cope" Gallagher, to intervene in the dispute. A spokeswoman for Mr Gallagher said he was monitoring the situation, but as it was an industrial relations issue it was now a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Martin.