Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I feel strongly about this matter. On paper, this appears to be an excellent initiative because difficulties with baggage are the bane of people's lives. I do not just refer to professional musicians in this regard but also to families whose children may be carrying small musical instruments with them as they go on holiday. All sorts of restrictions have been introduced in this area. The proposal before us seems to go some way towards addressing the problem but unless clear criteria are set down, the airlines will get around what is proposed. There is no doubt about that.

I take this opportunity to formally propose that representatives from the two major airlines, Ryanair and Aer Lingus, in this country be invited to come before the committee for a debate on this proposal. Aer Arann could also be included but I am not sure whether it considers itself a subsidiary of Aer Lingus.