Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

In regard to Aer Lingus, as Deputy Joe Higgins is aware, security of employment was far from certain when it was in the State sector. Thousands of jobs were lost when the State had total control. As I have said previously, I am in favour of private equity being invested in Aer Lingus. I am in favour of the company growing, expanding, developing, increasing employment and gaining strength in the aviation market. I do not want to see it continue in the old ways of reducing employment and suffering every time there is a difficulty. I continue to support it. When one considers the European Union-United States open skies policy and the opportunities it has created to develop and expand employment, I believe strongly that this is the way we should proceed.

See this speech in context