John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I apologised for the Minister's absence and assured the Deputy he did not intend to show any disrespect. I am sure he will be available to answer questions.

I thank Deputies for raising this matter on the Adjournment. Decisions on commercial and operational matters at Aer Lingus are a matter for the board and management of the company and it is not open to the Government to intervene in such matters. Aer Lingus is an independent company and has to make decisions on a commercial basis. The State's 25% shareholding does not confer on the Minister a right to influence commercial decisions at the company.

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