Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A really serious situation has developed in Shannon and I thank Ms Connolly for her presentation. We, as a committee, have raised the aviation sector at every opportunity with the powers that be in the Government and continue to do so. I raised this issue with the Taoiseach on the floor of the Dáil today again and raised the specific case of the cabin crew in Shannon. The decision has been made under the cover of Covid and it needs to be reversed. Without doubt the longest serving and most loyal people in the company are being targeted. We have engaged with the cabin crew. I know many of them personally so I know the care and dedication that they have put in over the years. It is a sad indictment of Aer Lingus that it would target the most loyal and hardest working people in the company.

I seek an explanation of the following. The Neo aircraft brought a new opportunity for Shannon, which was recognised across the company. The cabin crew is the same. Yet Aer Lingus has mentioned in its statement that the cabin crew has been out of line for a long time, was inefficient and was not working. The decision has been made at a time when the reopening plan for aviation is due to be announced next Friday. I strongly believe that Aer Lingus has used this opportunity to target Shannon yet again. What is Mr. Clarke's view on that?