DAA have questions to answer on staffing issues – Currie

Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) must answer questions on the hiring, management, and conditions of staff, in light of the unacceptable delays at Dublin Airport, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Emer Currie said, “While the delays experienced by thousands of travellers in Dublin Airport over the weekend have been described as a ‘blip’ by management, DAA have failed to explain exactly why this occurred.

“For months now we’ve seen huge delays at Dublin Airport, resulting in a series of apologies from DAA; firstly, during March, then again over the Easter break and now at the end of May with the June bank holiday looming.

“Staff shortages and management seem to be at the core of long security queues and waiting times in the airport, and there are questions to be answered in a bid to resolve this issue.

“DAA let go of 1,000 staff members during the pandemic, yet reportedly stated that they hoped to hire 300 security staff before the summer.

“How many of these 300 have been hired and are actually working on the ground? Do they believe these extra 300 staff are sufficient to solve the current crisis?

“Staff absences have been cited as contributing to the long delays – can DAA explain why there was a particularly high level of absences on Sunday morning?

“If DAA are struggling to recruit, they must also look at the contracts they’re offering staff. Many potential employees are saying the conditions are simply not good enough to accept.

“With staff having to make themselves available for 40 hours a week, yet not guaranteed full hours, will DAA consider offering new incentives and conditions to increase the attractiveness of working at Dublin Airport?

“DAA are now saying the problems will be resolved by the end of June – a full month away. They said the same earlier this year saying it would be sorted before the Summer. It hasn’t happened. What do they say to the thousands of people, including foreign tourists to Ireland, who plan to fly from Dublin Airport in the meantime?

“While I understand that DAA CEO Dalton Philips will be appearing before the Oireachtas Transport Committee on Wednesday, the Board of DAA should also come before the Committee to answer questions. Travellers are owed the peace of mind that they will be able to fly with comfort this summer.”