John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Brogan. Both Mr. Barrington and Mr. Brogan have said in their presentations that a successful IAG bid to take over Aer Lingus would have a positive outcome. Mr. Barrington referred to 200 new jobs based on new transatlantic traffic; last week Mr. Walsh suggested 500 new jobs. Could Mr. Barrington comment on this figure? The important issues are jobs, connectivity, and growth. If the IAG bid to take over Aer Lingus is not successful, is there still a possibility of growth? Are there any disadvantages to a successful bid by IAG to take over Aer Lingus? Will the growth be limited to Dublin Airport? What about growth in Shannon, Cork, and the regional airports? Coming from the west of Ireland, I have a particular interest in Ireland West Airport Knock. Mr. Kavanagh has been instrumental in organising a transatlantic flight to and from Knock, which will begin in summer 2015. If the IAG bid is successful, is it more likely that this service will be expanded into seasonal charter flights?