James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputies Perry, Deenihan and McCormack for sharing their time. I am a Deputy for Dublin North which has Dublin Airport at the heart of its commercial life. The decision by Aer Lingus to transfer its Heathrow slots from Shannon Airport could be followed by a decision tomorrow to do the same in Dublin. The Government gave an undertaking to protect the Heathrow slots at Shannon, Cork and Dublin and now betrays this undertaking at the first request. We are an island nation and national interests take precedence over perceived short-term goals. I use the word "perceived" because numerous slots from Belfast to Heathrow already exist and the commercial need for the decision has been disputed.

I ask the Minister to take his responsibilities seriously. I urge him to use the Government's 25% stakeholding in Aer Lingus to protect the Shannon slots as he promised this House and the country.

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