Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

The question relates to assets. To have an asset, one must own it. The Government does not own Aer Lingus or the slots and, therefore, the company cannot be considered to be a strategic asset. Of course, links between Ireland and Britain, and specifically between Dublin and Heathrow, are of strategic importance, but they are not strategic assets. One does not have to own something for it to be important. The sea link between Rosslare and the United Kingdom is of strategic importance but the Government does not own it. It is possible, therefore, to have something of strategic importance without actually owning it.

Board members can have some influence on decisions but Aer Lingus is a public limited company. Therefore, their primary responsibility must be to the company's fiduciary interests and not to the person who appoints them. It is important to bear in mind that not only is Aer Lingus not selling slots, it has actually leased additional ones from BMI to enable it to increase its capacity. That is where the market is. It is not about selling slots but about leasing new ones.

On Düsseldorf airport, Deputy Ellis is probably referring to the minority stake that the DAA holds at that airport rather than the Düsseldorf slots. I read a story in The Sunday Business Post, which I am sure Deputy Ellis also read, which suggested that SIPTU or its representatives were interested in selling that asset to recapitalise the pension fund. I do not know if it is accurate. I welcome the support of the largest trade union in this State for selling non-strategic State assets, but there may be a better way of using the money to the benefit of the public than by replenishing a pension fund.

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