Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----or Dublin Bay North. It is a positive that we have had such a commitment given to us. Of course, it will be subject to the market conditions in the next five years but 150 net new jobs by next year would amount to significant growth within the airline, given that it has 3,766 employees now. Back office staff will be lost as part of this takeover and it is regrettable that as part of this, there will be some function within the airline that would be duplicated across the group. There were commitments given today by IAG at its press conference that some functions within the firm will remain, as is the case with its other group airlines. Some administrative functions remain in existing organisations. Ultimately, a result of 150 net jobs is what it is, and I am sure it would not be impossible for individuals to apply for the positions if they already work within the airline, given the experience they could bring.

I am cautious about the approach of IAG but I welcome the ability to sustain employment in the airline and expand the Aer Lingus network and routes so as to provide additional destinations for the Irish customer base. The airline is currently serving 70 destinations, and that number will increase significantly as a result of this propose takeover. I reiterate my thanks to the Minister for bringing all of this to us. I am sure dealing with IAG and the board of Aer Lingus has taken a considerable amount of his time over the past number of months since the first offer was made. I am clearly stating that I will support the motion on the basis of the jobs that will be delivered, primarily to my constituency, and the investment that this country will receive as a result of the takeover.

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