Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

A delegation is here from San José at present, seeking Aer Lingus flights to that city. It is in the middle of Silicon Valley, which has contributed so much to Ireland. Major IT companies based here want a dedicated service to San José airport. That is the demand which exists and the company needs money to meet that demand.

From where will the money come? It will come from either State investment, which we do not have, or private investment. It is important that we make this an attractive package in which people will invest. I hope for as much Irish investment as possible because there must be a sense of ownership here. The concern is that it could be owned by international investment companies and banks. We could lose the connection with the country. The UK is concerned at present because British Airways will no longer be owned by British people. Similar concerns will be raised about Aer Lingus.

I agree with previous speakers that we should have had a White Paper on the flotation of Aer Lingus. The matter should have had more consideration in this House. More discussion should have taken place. It should have been discussed at the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on which I sit. We discussed many issues, but not this. Neither the discussion on this matter nor the preparations are acceptable. Now we have confusion on whether we should agree the principles of the motion rather than the sale of Aer Lingus. That is a critical issue.

How much time do I have remaining?

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