Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is time the Taoiseach came clean on all of this. We need a far greater level of truth, openness and clarity from him. Is it not a fact that the entire leadership of Aer Lingus is now leaving? Does this not amount to a serious vote of no confidence in his Government's handling of the future of Aer Lingus, its workers and customers?

When did the Minister for Transport last meet the three executives in question? Did Mr. Willie Walsh and his partners express any dissent or concern to the Minister for Transport and what was the nature, form and extent of that dissent? Did the Minister for Transport attempt to dissuade the three leaders of Aer Lingus from leaving at this time? Will the Minister for Transport give a full and clear statement to this House about the atrocious and appalling conduct of the Government in handling this business?

The Taoiseach said this will not dissuade or deflect the Government from dealing with this matter at an early date. What in the name of heaven does he mean? This issue has been outstanding for the past 18 months and nothing but clouds of confusion, rumour, innuendo and allegations are coming from Members of the Government. An announcement has been made that the leadership of Aer Lingus is leaving which the Taoiseach said will not dissuade or deflect him from dealing with the matter at an early date. Will the Taoiseach give the House the answers to the questions I have asked so that everybody might know exactly where we stand?

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