Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a relaxation of state aid rules as part of the stimulus. I am sure the Government could do something to provide additional moneys to Aer Lingus. I would say that ideology is the problem in that such provision would be seen to be funding a private company. Ultimately, International Airlines Group, IAG, which is Aer Lingus's owner, is a private company. However, I accept that it is an imperative to have the capacity to fly aeroplanes into and out of Ireland.