Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am in total agreement with the sentiments expressed by Ms Quin in trying to grow business. I recognise the work she did to try to have the west coast connection restored. People in the Shannon and Cork regions tried to secure services to different locations and have been successful, but if we consider the history of aviation in this country, the level of connectivity has grown to the point where there is competition, not consolidation. What we are being offered is consolidation, which I assume is in the best interests of IAG in being able to consolidate its efforts, reduce its cost base and have critical mass to a larger extent, but that would reduce competition. The Tokyo connection was mentioned. What we would see is more back-haul traffic through the BA network, but it would not be direct.

I do not want to be pessimistic. I want to see greater connectivity, but the risk would outweigh any potential benefit, recognising the importance of connectivity through Heathrow Airport. Like Senator Sean D. Barrett, I would like to see more aggression on this issue. I get the impression from all of the delegates - I threw Mr. Edmond a curved ball because he is probably the person I know best - that they are trying to second guess the Government, that they will all be on the right side in the end and that whatever decision the Government takes, they will not be offended. The industry needs to take on the Government every now and again and challenge it to do what is right by its members.