Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Ireland's strategic interests in aviation are best served by the provision of regular, safe, cost-effective and competitive air services linking the country with key business and tourism markets around the world.

The Government's main objective in selling a majority of its shareholding in Aer Lingus last year was to provide the company with access to new equity to enable it to compete effectively and to grow its business on short-haul and long-haul routes. As a result of the proceeds generated by the IPO, Aer Lingus now has a unique opportunity to fulfil its potential and to contribute in a positive way to the country's economic development, in line with the Government's strategic objectives.

The conduct of industrial relations is a matter for the company and the State's shareholding does not confer on me a direct role in this matter. As Minister for Transport, I would be concerned that any disruption of services arising from industrial action would inconvenience the travelling public and could also have a negative impact on the economy.

Accordingly, I hope the company and unions will ensure that industrial action, as outlined, is avoided and I encourage them to ensure it is. It is understood that efforts are being made by management to resolve the issues in discussions with the unions with the assistance of the industrial relations services of the State.

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