The transport minister has warned that industrial action could be on the cards at Shannon, Cork and Dublin Airports.
Addressing calls from Clare TD Timmy Dooley that the government needs to man up on the issue Leo Varadkar says the situation should be clearer later this month.
The transport minister has warned that he cannot allow Aer Lingus and the state airports to take a major financial hit in their pensions dispute.
Leo Varadkar says the government's stake in Shannon, Cork and Dublin Airports airports and Aer Lingus would be devalued – meaning a hit for the taxpayer – if they carry the burden of bringing a gap in their workers' pension fund.
The minister's told the Dáil that the companies and their workers are "pretty far apart" in trying to reach a deal.
He says the taxpayer can't be held to ransom by a smaller group of workers.
Those recommendations are due to be published on April 14th.
Fianna Fáil Transport spokesperson Timmy Dooley says there's considerable concern about the impact the dispute is having on the sector.
Meanwhile Minister Varadkar has confirmed to the Dáil that he is looking at scrapping toll charges for HGVs on the Limerick Tunnel.
During a 'Toll Holiday' last November the route saw a 70 increase in the traffic of trucks.
While the government would have to cover the cost of this if it is implemented Minister Varadkar says it could provide savings in the longer term.
