Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I echo those points. It is disappointing, disgraceful or whatever word you want to use. This was a proud Irish company that received significant State support during the pandemic. This committee worked with it and with the aviation industry. It is entirely necessary at this time that it come before the committee, listen to questions and explain to the wider public what is happening and what they can expect in the time ahead. We worked very closely with Aer Lingus during the pandemic on the concerns of workers at the time. This cross-party committee played a very constructive role. At this time, when passengers are being failed in so many ways through cancelled flights, short notice, baggage being lost and everything else that goes with it, and the huge frustration they are feeling, it is unacceptable that Aer Lingus would refuse this opportunity. It is important that the committee be strong on this. There is a good opportunity here for Aer Lingus to come before us and use this as a platform to outline the current state of affairs.