THE EU is to be asked by the Minister for the Marine not to allow non-EU seafarers who are inadequately trained to work on vessels in its waters. Mr Barrett said he was also pursuing possible tax and PRSI concessions for Irish seafarers, aimed at making their employment more attractive and enabling them to compete with other and non-EU seafarers.

Responding to written questions, Mr Barrett said he was deeply concerned at the loss of employment that would arise from the decision of Irish Ferries to withdraw their winter services from Rosslare to the Continent. He was prepared "to contribute to any action within my power to ameliorate the situation".

The EU would shortly produce a draft guideline on subsidies so as to create a level playing pitch, on state aids. As president of the Council of Maritime Transport Minister he would be progressing this urgently.

The Fianna Fail spokeswoman on enterprise and employment, Ms Mary O'Rourke, said in an adjournment debate that dropping the service would have huge implications for the economy of the south east.

"It is easy to see why the staff believe there is a hidden agenda and an attempt to bring in yellow pack labour. The Government must immediately seek a meeting with Irish Ferries and establish what is really going on and what agenda is at play."