Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a glaring absence of scrutiny of this notion. Where is the explanation of this construct about which nobody heard until now? What is the legal advice on its standing and where is the analysis to support the claim that it will protect our interests in the Heathrow Airport slots? We do not have any of this information and the Government is not giving us the opportunity to raise questions about it because the debate will be closed down with a vote tomorrow evening. The reason for the rush is a political imperative to wrap up the deal before Government backbenchers return to their constituencies and hear the views of their constituents and the anger of Aer Lingus staff. The most recent opinion polls show that a clear majority of the people oppose the takeover. The Government will ignore their views at its peril.

The truth is that there is no cogent argument in favour of IAG taking over Aer Lingus. There is nothing to gain and so much to lose. It is important that Members, especially Government backbenchers, realise that when they cast their vote tomorrow evening, they are only voting on a two-page document, entitled, The General Principles of the Disposal. That is what they are voting on and that is all that is at stake. That document was only laid before the House this morning. They are not voting on the spin or on assurances given by Mr. Willie Walsh or anyone else. They are not voting on the Minister's speech or on assurances from party handlers. They are merely voting on this document.

Let us look at what is in this document. Apart from the B share notion, which was never heard of before, the references to employment are extremely vague. For example, the document refers to the "strong, expressed preference for Aer Lingus to utilise direct labour wherever efficient and effective", but what does that mean?

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