Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the representatives from both companies. My first question is to Mr. Doyle on the obvious concern among Aer Lingus staff, and the points that have been made around state aid. The other two companies within the group are in receipt of substantial state aid, British Airways from the UK Government, and Iberia from the Spanish Government. It is perfectly understandable that so many of the staff are concerned about the possibility of Aer Lingus being sacrificed or being squeezed. Can Mr. Doyle give an assurance today to his staff and to all of those other industries that depend on Aer Lingus that this is not the intention, and that he will work equally as hard to ensure a bright future for Aer Lingus as he will for British Airways and Iberia?