The European Commission does not have the power to investigate Ryanair's industrial relations, the Social Affairs Commissioner, Mr Padraig Flynn, has told Ms Patricia McKenna MEP (Green) who had sought such an inquiry.
Sources close to Mr Flynn said they were puzzled by a statement issued yesterday by Ms McKenna referring to "Padraig Flynn's decision to hold a detailed investigation of Ryanair's refusal to recognise or negotiate with the trade unions representing its workers".