Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I accepted at the very outset the commercial nature of the Government's interest in Aer Lingus, but my question was on whether the commercial developments in Aer Lingus were in the commercial best interests of the company, particularly in an increasingly competitive market. I am thankful there is a more competitive market, including at Shannon Airport, at which there is increased competition on both short-haul and transatlantic routes. The company was a flag carrier and still markets itself very much as the flag carrier. We still remember the slogan, "Look up, it's Aer Lingus!" There are differences in the marketing strategies of European airline companies, from former flag carriers to newer, more dynamic companies that may engage in sharper practices in regard to their workforces. However, the companies with which Aer Lingus competes, including the former flag carrier British Airways, certainly have a higher number of staff on their long-haul flights than some of their competitors. People pay for this. Generally, Aer Lingus flights are more expensive than those of some of its competitors, but people pay more in the hope they will receive a better service. Thanks to Aer Lingus's loyal workers at its bases at Shannon, Cork and Dublin airports, customers receive the desired level of service. However, it is hard for a company to expect to be able to provide that level of service while at the same time treating workers in the way Shannon Airport based cabin crew have been treated. The Minister mentioned the 30 cabin crew trainees who were taken on only three weeks ago to be trained for the transatlantic flights. They have since been summarily fired. That is not the way to treat workers one had hoped would manage the new service and build a loyal customer base.

I am glad of the Government's support and hope it will not be called into question when fixing the huge pension deficit. The staffing dispute is against the backdrop of the pensions deficit. The deficit at the Dublin Airport Authority affects Shannon Airport employees and all former Aer Lingus employees. I hope this issue can also be sorted out. I realise it is an entirely separate dispute, but it forms a backdrop to it nevertheless.

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