Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The Joint Committee on Transport heard the basic argument for a private sector investment on the basis that long-haul aeroplanes had to be replaced. There was no business secrecy; it was a simple fact. It would cost about €1 billion and we questioned from where the money would come.

I support Deputy Shortall's point. The Minister said he had talked to the stakeholders — the unions and social partners in the partnership process. We live in a democracy. The Members of this House represent the people. We are the representative stakeholders. If the Minister can talk to the unions and social partners, and if there is a basic question about funding for replacement of the long-haul fleet, regardless of any commercial sensitivities--——

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