Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I asked yesterday, what happened when Aer Lingus decided to move from Shannon to Dublin? Was this House in a position to do anything about that? Was the deal done by Fianna Fáil able to prevent that from happening? No, it was not. That change was made without any reference or influence from the Minister for Finance representing the Government and the people.

I understand the chief executive of IAG will hold a press conference later today. The Aer Lingus CEO, Mr. Kavanagh, responded clearly to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport yesterday in respect of the introduction of legislation in respect of REAs, which the Government has agreed to and published, and the inclusion of employees of Aer Lingus in those REAs and of those who are currently outside of them. He has said that there will be more REAs. He has also pointed out that Aer Lingus does not envisage compulsory redundancies in any circumstance and that they will engage properly with all of the people involved.

This is about an opportunity to grow the business of connectivity. It is also about economic growth in our country. Deputy Ellis made the point earlier in an eloquent speech that we need further connectivity into Ireland to bring in more multinationals so that more people can work here. That is right and proper and I support that. The deal is on the table and has the public and official support of workers and boards in Shannon, Cork and Dublin, dealing with the issues of employment, connectivity, extra growth, more jobs and potential. This is all in the interest of Ireland and its people.

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