Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Could Mr. Walsh come back to me on the expansion plans at Dublin, Cork and Shannon? He has still not really told me what is in it for IAG. Aer Lingus has been performing very well in the north of England hubbing transatlantic passengers through Dublin. Has that been a concern to British Airways? Has Aer Lingus been raiding the north of England at the expense of British Airways and is IAG's response to go and take it over? Mr. Walsh has not said whether a strategic alliance with the State retaining its 25% interest might be a better way of getting around the legal complexity. This would offer ownership and board representation and would retain a level of control notwithstanding company law and the articles of association.