Conor D McGuinness Challenges Government Over Fleet Abandonment

Conor D McGuinness criticised the government's handling after the Netherlands, Germany, France and Poland moved to block the invocation of Arhaig preferences, saying this protected corporate interests while Arras were exposed. He questioned whether legal advice was sought to challenge the decision and accused the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste of politically abandoning the minister, the negotiating team, officials, and fleet and coastal communities in December last year.

Blocked invocation and consequences

The speaker said the Netherlands, Germany, France and Poland moved to block the invocation of Arhaig preferences, which he argued protected the interests of a number of corporations while Arras were exposed. He presented this as a significant adverse outcome for affected parties.

Questioning legal advice

He directly asked whether the government had taken legal advice on challenging the blocking of Arhaig preferences, saying that was an important question that needed to be put. The lack of clarity on legal steps formed a central part of his challenge to the government’s response.

Accusation of political abandonment

He accused the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste of a political abandonment of the minister, the negotiating team, officials, and coastal and fleet communities, describing the situation as the pinnacle of decades of deflection. He said this abandonment occurred in December last year.

Contrast with other member states

He contrasted Ireland’s response with other member states, asserting that governments elsewhere fought hard for their fleets by picking up the phone, building alliances and drawing red lines, whereas in Ireland he said the head of government was set in his hands.