Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am aware. When the bells stop, I will be running. I want to come in on this matter because I will miss out on my time otherwise.

On aviation policy, Aer Lingus is the second largest carrier into Dublin Airport and is a significant carrier into Cork and Shannon airports as well. The committee has visited Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports. We had concerns, particularly in Cork Airport, about where Aer Lingus is going. As we head into the busy August bank holiday weekend, we need to talk to Aer Lingus about the travelling public's experiences as a matter of urgency. We need to talk to the airline about where it is going and what its challenges are. All of the island needs Aer Lingus. It is not a State-owned carrier, but it is certainly a flag carrier. The Irish travelling public are very much used to flying with it and with Ryanair. It is extremely important that we bring Aer Lingus in to discuss what is happening with cancellations, baggage handling and all of its services, particularly as we head into the busiest time of the year for aviation. Aer Lingus has declined our invitation and said it is not available next week. We need to write back to the company and ask it to have its chief executive and corporate team come before the committee as a matter of urgency. This is the national Parliament's transport committee. It is disrespectful that Aer Lingus would not be able to accommodate us for a couple of hours next week to discuss what is happening and to give the travelling public information and, possibly, some comfort as to how it is dealing with the challenges it is facing.