Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

To describe somebody as a slow learner in educational terms is one issue but it is a pejorative and unacceptable term coming from one who was himself a teacher. It is an appalling and shameful epithet to put on anybody.

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following:

—recognising the strategic importance of the Shannon-Heathrow, Cork-Heathrow and Dublin-Heathrow services for the economic development of the country;

—noting the Government's repeated assurances that, notwithstanding the privatisation of Aer Lingus, these connections would be safeguarded by the airline's Memorandum and Articles of Association and by the State's continued ownership of 25.4% of the airline's shares; and calls on the Government to fulfil its commitment to the Irish people by exercising its voting power to ensure the retention of these strategic air links.

I wish to share time with Deputies Breen and O'Donnell.

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