Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I accept the Minister's point on future plans for Heathrow Airport. While the State retains an interest in Aer Lingus, it has the capacity to influence board decisions through the appointments made by the Minister on behalf of the Government. Although I had noted his point about the golden share, it was not possible to arrange it at the time, as doing so would have been in contravention of EU rules.

Will the Government consider the formulation of a battle plan to protect slot access at Heathrow Airport? In this regard, will it consider establishing a working group to table proposals to the Minister and his Department in order that a vital and necessary element of Ireland's connectivity might be protected?

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