Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

As Deputy Shortall is aware, the memorandum and articles of association state that once the Government has a 25.1% shareholding — we have 28.3% — and if another 5% shareholder acts we cannot change, for example, the arrangements with regard to the Heathrow slots. That cannot be changed as long as the Government has 25.1% of the shareholding. It is important to put that on the record.

The issue is very clear. This country has prospered in the aviation sector enormously since the introduction of competition. It is without question that it has been of enormous benefit to the travelling public, for tourism, business and the economy. The Government takes a very strong view of the attempt by Ryanair to recreate a monopoly in this country. It is not something the Government wants to see happen.

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