Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to speak on connectivity. Am I correct in saying that if IAG and Aer Lingus were to join up, combined they would have approximately 21 Heathrow slots out of Dublin, 13 of which would be with Aer Lingus at peak and eight of which would be with British Airways? This would give them a virtual monopoly on the Heathrow-Dublin route. What view do the delegates think the competition authorities will take on this and what would be the implications in terms of connectivity?

Shannon Airport has transatlantic flights and is the only airport outside of Dublin to have these in Ireland. It is hugely significant given that we are in the mid-west and on the western seaboard. Can the delegates see any implications in an alliance between IAG and Aer Lingus for transatlantic flights out of Shannon?