Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Opposition Members have valuable points to make. Change brings uncertainty, concern and, to an extent, fear to many, but the constant negativity from Opposition Members who see nothing positive in this deal is galling. A few years ago when they were in charge, the country was broke. They called in the IMF and we had to be baled out because within days. What would have happened to Aer Lingus at that stage? It would have been liquidated and we would have had no say in the matter, yet crocodile tears are being shed by the Opposition, including by Deputy Peter Mathews who said he was not afforded an opportunity to discuss the matter. I commend the Government for its actions and wish the Minister well.

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