Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again raise the issue of Shannon Airport. Last week, the airport was served a hammer blow by Aer Lingus when the airline announced that it was closing its permanent cabin crew base there. Government Deputies in the region met the Taoiseach last Thursday regarding this issue. At that meeting, the Taoiseach committed to meeting representatives of Aer Lingus to seek a reversal of this decision. Obviously, the Government is in discussions now with the airline, which is looking for a cash injection, a bailout or call it what you will. It is important that this cabin crew base is retained in Shannon Airport and that this is part of any deal reached with Aer Lingus, along with the airline's strategic routes which provide connectivity for business and tourism. I ask the Taoiseach to update the House regarding the talks. Did the Taoiseach meet with representatives of Aer Lingus and if so what was the outcome?

See this speech in context