Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left) | Oireachtas source

There is not much clarity in the Minister's reply. I appreciate the stage at which the bid is in but that said, this will not provide much comfort for those who are particularly concerned about it. It is regrettable that this proposition was included in the programme for Government at all. Many workers are shocked that the Labour Party did not use its position to ensure that would not happen. However, this is an opportunity to put on the public record that the stated objectives of connectivity, of securing jobs at the airline in particular and of the other issues outlined cannot be achieved if IAG takes over Aer Lingus.

The best protection that can be offered is that the Government would maintain its shareholding. This is a company that currently employs just short of 3,000 people. When IAG involves itself in amalgamations of this nature, this inevitably means job losses and IAG is on record as stating this definitely will happen and promises of future jobs are no guarantees. The Minister should give assurance to Members that the idea of so-called tangible legally-binding agreements on job conditions and connectivity hold no way whatsoever when one considers the previous guarantees on jobs that were given to airline staff, not least in respect of Aer Lingus and TEAM Aer Lingus.

We know what has been going on legally for 21 years. I hope the Minister can assure us that he will be very sceptical about any legally-binding guarantees.

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