Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I think I have already wished him well in his role. I extend those well wishes again in this forum.

I had not intended to raise the situation in Aer Lingus but I do so in response to the view the Minister expressed regarding connectivity. I share his view that connectivity is extremely important. There are many business owners, particularly in tourism but not just in that sector, who will tell anyone who cares to ask that they desperately need a good season this year. We are still suffering from the reputational damage caused by the long and excessive delays at Dublin Airport. That story went global and not in a good way. I welcome that the parties to the dispute are engaged with the Labour Court. Is there any scenario under which the Minister or any of his Government colleagues would see it as appropriate to intervene? I fully respect that the parties are in talks. I know exactly what that is like and how important it is that they be given space and time. However, does the Minister have a plan B in the event that the talks are not successful?