Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am genuinely angry and disappointed with the attitude that Aer Lingus has shown towards us as an island nation. Two minutes ago Mr. Moody said Aer Lingus will work with Emerald but now he has said it is up to the regional airports to do that work. We have just heard spin and rhetoric this morning. I apologise for being cross but Ireland as an island nation is very dependent on connectivity. As Mr. Moody has admitted, Aer Lingus has cut the 2019 short-haul fleet. If short-haul is not committed to, then Ireland will face a serious aviation issue.