Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In conclusion, to respond to the comments of the Minister as Deputy Clare Daly did, historically the DAA and Aer Lingus, when it was a State entity, employed people to particular staff levels, often at the discretion and direction of the Government, because at times of high unemployment they were often seen as a way of dealing with a lack of economic activity in north County Dublin, parts of Cork and areas of Limerick and Clare. The Minister is right to say they were overstaffed, but that came as a result of State action. It was a legitimate expectation on the part of many of the workers. It is easy to talk about the companies as if they are separate entities and private companies. That is where they are going, particularly in the case of Aer Lingus, but much of the pension liability was built up when the State was the only shareholder, and it is still a significant shareholder. The State is the only shareholder in DAA. It is incumbent on the Government to address the legitimate expectation of the employees concerned. The appropriate course of action is to withdraw section 34 and allow other elements of legislation to establish an independent entity in Shannon before returning to deal with the pensions crisis in a comprehensive way in conjunction with the overall agreement put in place through the expert review group.

We must try to find an appropriate mechanism that will not overburden any group of pensioners in this regard. I do not want to rehash what we have said, but people are under severe financial strain and will remain so as a result of the decisions taken. It is incumbent on us to deal with the matter in a more careful way and I hope, even at this late stage, the Minister will consider withdrawing section 34.

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