Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I agree that open skies offers opportunities as well as challenges for airports and airlines in Ireland, the EU and the United States. We are most concerned about what is currently the State airline, Aer Lingus. If it is to compete for routes, it must be present from the outset or it will miss the boat. Aer Lingus hopes to capitalise on the opportunity for additional long-haul routes and is gearing up for this in terms of staffing.

Everything hinges on the availability of capital to buy new planes. Aer Lingus has lost value as a result of Government inaction and indecision in recent years but it is clawing its way back. It has the opportunity to prosper if it gains access to capital in time for the open skies opportunities. Can the Minister commit to a deadline of the third quarter of next year for access to capital and for privatisation by flotation or private placement? According to Aer Lingus, this is the last date possible if it is to capitalise on the opportunities.

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