Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The trustees wrote to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. They recommended that the course of action being pursued here following legislation and the expert panel is the best option. This was voted upon by the membership in, Aer Lingus and 70% gave their verdict in favouring it. The Department of Finance said this could rescue the situation. As I said, the deficit now is €769 million. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport met with the Tánaiste on Monday before he signed the commencement order.

See this speech in context