Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

First, I understand the Whips have been discussing the issue of when a debate on Aer Lingus can be arranged. That is a matter for the Whips to decide as soon as time can be made available. That is the position. It is a matter of trying to schedule a debate in the House on these issues.

Second, I do not know what the financial position in Aer Lingus would be if it did not have access to private capital in recent years or what its balance sheet would look like today. That is an issue we need to bear in mind.

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