Dr. Órlaith Borthwick:

I wish to clarify for Deputies Ellis and Dooley the position of the chambers of commerce of Galway, Ennis, Limerick and Shannon. We are very clear in our position. Our first position is that there is no good economic reason for selling Aer Lingus. That said, if it is going to be sold, our preference is that it would only be done if legally binding guarantees are put in place with regard to connectivity. Our first preference is that there should be no sale.

Our priority is and always will be boosting economic growth in the western region. That includes developing the economic attractiveness and the value proposition that we have in order to attract both inward and indigenous investment. The growth of businesses and the jobs they create would be foremost in any policy position that we would take.