Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

The sharks in the financial markets are pushing for the early privatisation of Aer Lingus. The Government took a decision in principle last year that it would privatise the company and leave an island nation without a publicly-owned air transport vehicle, which many see as a strategic interest.

What is the Government's position? Will it shamefully hand the national airline and its staff to transnational corporations whose only agenda is the maximisation of profit? The Taoiseach must tell us today. Aer Lingus staff, their families and the communities around the airport dependent on this employment are increasingly anxious about Government plans and are being left in the dark.

The Government has the option of investing in Aer Lingus as there is no barrier to such public investment. It could develop it as a vibrant transport vehicle, with staff brought to the heart of the matter. We need very clear answers to the following questions. Does the Taoiseach intend going ahead with the privatisation? If so, how will the Government do so — by a trade sale, by flotation on the stock exchange or by other means? When will the Taoiseach put this process into effect? What is the deadline and the schedule of the Government? The Taoiseach should be very clear and precise in his answers.

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