Ferries row could be set to end

There could be a breakthrough in the Irish Ferries row after talks between management and unions begin today (Monday) 5th December.

Irish Ferries services' have all but ceased in the last ten days and the situation has now reached crisis point. The row erupted when Irish Ferries' officials revealed that they were laying off their Irish staff in place of cheaper employees from European agencies.

The National Implementation Body (NIB) are brokering talks between the concerned parties and it is widely felt that these talks could resolve the dispute once and for all.

Irish Ferries officials are concerned about the amount of time they have missed and are reported to be keen to get back to work, while union officials are of a similar opinion.