Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I remind Deputy Ó Caoláin that before the decision was taken last year the Cabinet had spent approximately two years in advance discussing the various options and going through the detail. That has continued during the past 12 months. The Minister has also advised Government of the outcome of the consultations with the trade unions.

Understandably trade unions have a number of concerns they wish to see addressed, including issues of job security and pensions. The Minister is doing everything he can to try to resolve these. The Ministers for Transport and Finance will mandate the management in Aer Lingus to engage with the trade unions with a view to resolving the issues identified by them. I am confident that through this process a way forward can be found that will allow the staffs' interests to be addressed to the maximum extent possible while also positioning the airline for growth.

The decision the Cabinet has reached on the future of the company will give it certainty in regard to the future funding it needs to flourish in what is an increasingly competitive global aviation market. As I said earlier, if we want Aer Lingus to have access to broad funding to enhance its strength and allow it to implement its business plan, this is the way we must go and the way the Government has agreed to go.

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