Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I confirm to Deputy Higgins that the Government will stick by the announcement of last summer concerning the comprehensive growth plan for Irish aviation that puts the aviation sector on a clear, upward growth path. We will provide new external capital to Aer Lingus and we will examine how this can be best done. This will mean that part of Aer Lingus will be sold to allow the airline to expand. We will continue with the plans for the terminal and the other initiatives necessary for Dublin Airport to deal with 30 million passengers and to allow for the development, securing and safeguarding of Aer Lingus into the future.

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