Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not denying the need for restructuring, but why did Aer Lingus not bring in a voluntary redundancy package for the cabin crew rather than a compulsory one? That would be very difficult for many of the staff, but it would retain the base. Obviously, you will appreciate that having a base there gives much more comfort to a region and an airline in terms of having early morning flights. It shows that little extra bit of commitment. I will put it another way. It is the difference between the engagement ring and the wedding ring. The wedding ring is the cabin crew base being there and the engagement ring is that promise. We want to see a wedding ring with Aer Lingus at Shannon Airport. Will Ms Embleton comment quickly on that?