Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am utterly frustrated that Aer Lingus is refusing this invitation. Its representatives have to come before the committee. It is their moral duty to do so. We have had a robust yet constructive relationship with the aviation industry in the lifetime of this committee. If we cast our minds back a few weeks, the DAA came in. We had a robust meeting but at least its representatives came in and laid it all out. Aer Lingus is still our national carrier in people's minds; the shamrock is still on the tail fin and people view it that way. Aer Lingus has to understand that. It is not viewed as being like any other airline. It is answerable to the people and needs to come in. What is happening at the moment is absolutely unacceptable. The members of the committee need answers.