Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have previously put it on the record and I will repeat it again. The connections to and from this island are vital. They are vital for us and for Irish people around the world travelling to and from the island. They are vital for foreign direct investment, which has been significant in Ireland. Furthermore, following the effective devaluation of the euro, we expect a further improvement in income and business from tourism, particularly given the successful development of the Wild Atlantic Way, an initiative of this Government. Connectivity to and from Ireland is of the utmost importance in any examination of the bid put forward by IAG. Employment in Aer Lingus is also an issue. I have stated this previously.

The sale of the majority stake in Aer Lingus of just under 75% was undertaken by the Deputy's party when it was in Government in the mid-2000s for a sum in the region of €289 million.

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