Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

The Minister should know that all public transport is subsidised. I urge the Government to pay heed to the current conditions and to re-examine the retention of Aer Lingus as a strategic asset. If the Government is to close Aer Lingus, I urge it not to jeopardise its prospect further for its own political purposes and to be honest about the amount of control over Ireland's economic well-being that the Government is surrendering on behalf of the taxpayer. I ask Members to oppose the motion.

See this speech in context