Dáil debates

Wednesday, 27 May 2015

Aer Lingus Share Disposal: Motion (Resumed)

 

6:35 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am not shocked, but I am deeply saddened that the Government has decided and will force through its decision by weight of numbers to sell the State's stake in what has always been to so many, me included, the national airline. Shame on Fine Gael but even greater shame on the Labour Party for this. We are told the Government decided to sell our Aer Lingus shareholding because the offer included improved connectivity to and from Ireland. I urge the Minister to spell out the improvements and guarantees and the timeframe involved. We are told the Government decided to sell our Aer Lingus shareholding because the offer included real benefits for the economy generally and would have a positive impact on aviation jobs in Ireland. I challenge the Minister to spell out what the real benefits are and their long-term prospects for the economy and to explain to those who will lose their jobs in the company - a fate which is awaiting dozens of Aer Lingus employees, as acknowledged by the Minister earlier today - how this proposition represents a positive impact on their jobs in the aviation sector in Ireland. The Minister tell us that employment rights will be fully safeguarded. What about the right to keep one's job and continue to work in the employment of one's choice?

The offer, according to the Minister, is consistent with the Government's aviation policy.

I am reminded of the children's rhyme in which reference is made to any so-called Government aviation policy - fly away Enda, fly away Joan and please do not bother to come back either of you.

The Minister tells us that Aer Lingus's current position is that it does not envisage compulsory redundancies or non-direct employment into the future. This is clever language that guarantees absolutely nothing. The current position referred to is the position today. A reference to not envisaging and not foreseeing is easily overcome by, "We could not see these changed circumstances back then. The situation has changed and so too must our response." Time will tell and we will see.

Aer Lingus has a proud record of service to the people of Ireland. Care, comfort and courtesy are all traits of the Aer Lingus brand and its cabin crew staff who have always impressed me in their dealings with passengers, whether on short or long-haul flights. I use the opportunity to congratulate and thank them. This acknowledgment is no more than they deserve.

I also acknowledge and express equally deserved thanks and congratulations to members of Aer Lingus senior management who have acted with compassion and understanding in circumstances of real difficulty for Irish families dealing with a crisis overseas. I am conscious of one such intervention recently that merits our collective appreciation. That, too, is deserved recognition.

Aer Lingus has been and still is for so many loyal customers, including for me when I have had the chance and opportunity to travel overseas, seen as our airline, Ireland's airline, our flag carrier at home and internationally. Irish people abroad, whether on holiday or having relocated for work purposes, believe they are already back home when they board an Aer Lingus flight from any overseas airport, even before it departs. The sense and the shared feeling is, "Ah, we're home."

We are an island people whose Government is willing to sell off a critical part of our transport infrastructure and give away control over our access to and from all of the important destinations and markets with which we have historical and newly built relations. It is with great regret that I am participating in the debate. I had hoped better counsel would have prevailed and that the Cabinet would not have approved selling our shares in Aer Lingus yesterday. This is not just a sell-off; it is a sell-out.

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