John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Apologies have been received from Deputies Helen McEntee and Seán Kenny. Today's meeting is an engagement with Aer Lingus and Stobart Air, operators of Aer Lingus Regional, on the possible take-over of Aer Lingus by the international consolidated airlines group, IAG, and to hear from Aer Lingus and Stobart Air, Aer Lingus Regional, their views on the take-over bid by IAG and the likely repercussions in terms of the company's future development.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome from Aer Lingus Mr. Colm Barrington, chairman, and Mr. Stephen Kavanagh, the new chief executive, and Mr. Eduard van Wyk, Goldman Sachs. I also welcome from Stobart Air, Aer Lingus Regional, Mr. Sean Brogan, chief executive, and Mr. Peter O'Mara, business development director. Having already heard from unions, chambers of commerce, IBEC and Mr. Willie Walsh of IAG on the take-over bid, we will now hear from representatives of Aer Lingus and Stobart Air, Aer Lingus regional, on their views on the bid.

I wish draw to witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter to only qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise them that any submissions or opening statements they make to the committee will be published on the committee's website after the meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Mr. Barrington of Aer Lingus to make his opening statement.