Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

The Deputy's question would be better asked of Aer Lingus. It is a plc which the Government does not own or control. I cannot answer questions on behalf of Aer Lingus, or on behalf of Transaero for that matter. When I read reports about this in the media, which is where I heard about it, I contacted the chairman of Aer Lingus and the Government representatives on the Aer Lingus board to express my concerns. I impressed on them the Government's view that it is important to maintain employment in the mid-west.

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