Captain Evan Cullen:

In its soundbites the Irish Aviation Authority states it adopts the highest standards from Europe. In fact, from a flight operations perspective, it operates at the minimum standard permissible under international aviation law. It actually operates to the lowest denominator. Let me give an example concerning flight time limitations. Aer Lingus is commencing a Heathrow operation involving domestic routes within the United Kingdom. From our writing of the rosters, we know it was intended that the operation would be crewed as per Irish laws and rules. Aer Lingus is operating this joint venture for Virgin Atlantic which has insisted on it being operated to UK standards. This has meant an increase of almost 15% to 20% in the number of pilots required to do the work. The cost advantage associated with the manner in which Irish regulations are implemented, by comparison with the manner in which regulations are implemented in the United Kingdom, is very clear.