Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

It is a comparative advantage for Ireland and the mid-west. I am a Deputy representing Limerick. Shannon Airport is vital to us, both for connectivity through Heathrow and for the transatlantic routes. I cannot understand why the Minister for Transport is not present tonight. There are 102 jobs at stake. The future of the region is at stake with regard to the connectivity which is required for balanced regional development. That is why the Government retained its 25% stake in Aer Lingus.

It is cowardly for the Minister not to be present tonight to answer our questions. He should insist that Aer Lingus engage in meaningful discussions with the unions and management with regard to providing a sustainable service based in Shannon Airport with cabin crew based there. These people have given loyal service over many years to Aer Lingus and to Limerick, the mid-west and Shannon Airport. They want to stay in their jobs and are willing to work with management. Meaningful discussions are now required.

I understand discussions are getting under way tomorrow, with detailed discussions to take place on 29 October. I expect the Minister to come to the House and give Members an assurance that he will stand up for the interests of the Aer Lingus workers and the mid-west, Limerick in particular, rather than provide a meaningless two-line answer. We all want to work with Aer Lingus and we realise it has financial difficulties. Let us look at a sustainable model for Shannon Airport such as was never undertaken by Aer Lingus. The airline made a mistake with the Heathrow route and is now making a significant mistake with the transatlantic route and in taking cabin crew away from Shannon Airport. I want the Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney, who is present, to tell the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, we are not going to go away. This issue will return to the House and we expect the Minister to answer these questions then.

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