Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, acknowledge the contributions made by all speakers. I have been greatly informed today about the issues that I have read about in the newspapers. On the question of a €300 million bid, that does not amount to two days' social welfare payments. As everyone has mentioned, connectivity at Heathrow is paramount. The Heathrow slots are the main issue. Guarantees or assurances in any takeover are not worth the paper on which they are written. The group's proposals are job cuts, as was mentioned. I am not aware that any other shareholders have made a bid. I have not heard or read a comment from Mr. O'Leary or Ryanair. That is a significant point and I do not know what is behind it. I also note Aer Lingus has stated that it would be willing to sell depending on the conditions that IAG would give it, but from my experience conditions and assurances are not worth the paper on which they are written. Tourist numbers to this country last year were the highest ever, exceeding the year of The Gathering. Many of those tourists from North America travelled here via the slots at Heathrow Airport. It is paramount that we retain those slots.