Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It would certainly not have gone ahead without reference to the board. When discussions took place about the development of an all-Ireland economy I am quite sure they referred to this issue, at least in some form.

The Taoiseach has not answered the question as to how the removal of the Shannon-Heathrow slots protects the strategic interests his Government specifically outlined as the reason for retaining a shareholding of 25.4%. The Government recognises that this is not just a local whinge, nor that it is an issue confined to the mid-west. Substantial business interests have made the point clearly that the removal of the slots will not be a major catalyst for moving out of the region. However, it will certainly be a serious contributory factor and if anything were to happen to the transatlantic routes the Taoiseach will be faced with a very serious problem.

I listened to the Minister for Transport and the Marine on the radio the other morning. He made the point that the reason for appointing two further board members is to ensure the board of Aer Lingus takes full cognisance of Government policy. Government policy is to protect the strategic interests of Shannon, Cork and Dublin but the Government has not done that. Does the Taoiseach accept that the original failure of Government to appoint two members to the Aer Lingus board was negligent in the extreme and meant that the commercial decision of which he speaks was taken by Aer Lingus without the full cognisance and understanding of Government policy?

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