Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

The Minister stated in his initial reply that when Cabinet takes the decision he will bring all the information to the House on the basis for the decision and the arguments for and against. However, the arguments for and against should be provided at this point. The Minister speaks of being involved in negotiations with the stakeholders. All the Members present, as public representatives, are stakeholders; we represent the public interest and the taxpayer who currently owns this successful company.

The Minister has a responsibility to make the arguments in the House for and against any proposed change in the ownership structure of Aer Lingus. The main purpose of my Priority Question was to draw out the Minister on this point and get him to make the arguments. Let us have a discussion to try to establish the company's needs into the future, the best ways of meeting those needs, the most appropriate structure for this and how the strategic interests of the country can be safeguarded. That discussion should be in public. There is a range of views on this issue and much merit in the different proposals.

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