Dr. Órlaith Borthwick:

I thank the Chairman, Deputies and Senators for inviting us to come before the joint committee to make a presentation. I am the interim chief executive of Limerick Chamber. Given my background in economics, I would like to deal in facts and remove emotion from this discussion. We must consider where the country is and what types of policies we are trying to implement.

It should be noted that this debate is taking place in the void left by the absence of the long overdue national aviation policy. Furthermore, there is a little clarity about the proposed sale of Aer Lingus and a formal offer to the company has not yet been made. For these reasons, much of this discussion is taking place in an information void. It is not good for jobs and businesses in the region to have a question mark hanging over the sustainability of connectivity into the regions.

According to the policy statement issued by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on foreign direct investment, FDI, Government policy is "focused on creating competitive and globally connected city regions, attractive places to do business, to work and to live". The statement also notes that the "role of city regions has become increasingly important in FDI flows - not only in terms of the city itself but how it is connected and networked globally". The region Ms Downes and I represent, the catchment area of Shannon Airport, encompasses a corridor that stretches from north of Galway to south of Limerick. Approximately 150 multinational US companies are operating in the region, directly employing more than 30,000 people. In addition, 25,000 people are directly employed in the tourism sector in the mid-west.

The State has a duty to act strategically in the interests of citizens, employers and investors and their long-term requirements. It must take into account the wider impact of the sale of Aer Lingus on the economy and connectivity. Irish business travellers strongly depend on the hub at Heathrow Airport and require interlining services to access third locations. In 2013, connecting travellers accounted for approximately 45% of Shannon-Heathrow traffic.

Any sale of Aer Lingus must not threaten the unique access Ireland needs as an island economy on the periphery of Europe. The direct transatlantic flights which Aer Lingus offers to our members, namely, businesses located along the entire western coast, continue to facilitate inward investment and job creation. Any reduction in this connectivity would have a detrimental impact, not only on the foreign firms located in the region but also on indigenous companies which are trying to expand their networks and internationalise. We strongly support Government policy on place-making, which is very firm in highlighting that Ireland's regions continue to have strong value propositions for foreign direct investment where there is good international connectivity. The Government simply cannot make any decision that would in any way threaten the connectivity and transatlantic access that our members and businesses along the west coast enjoy via Heathrow.

I hope we will be invited to attend any future debates that may take place if greater clarity emerges on any potential offers for Aer Lingus.