Results 5,061-5,080 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Over the past few weeks and again today, Opposition Members have referred to the statements in the Chamber at the time of the Aer Lingus IPO by my predecessor on the importance of the Shannon-Heathrow routes.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: These statements were made in good faith and based on an understanding given to my predecessor by Aer Lingus.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: That Aer Lingus decided subsequently to take a unilateral decision to reallocate these slots to Belfast from Shannon ran counter to our understanding and was regrettable.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Aer Lingus is, however, within its legal rights to take this course of action.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: As I have said time and time again, the decision goes against Government regional and aviation policy, but we are precluded legally from blocking the move.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: As difficult as this is, it is a fact.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Opposition calls for the Government to support a Ryanair-backed EGM at Aer Lingus were curious to say the least.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Deputy Kenny, who I am glad to see has joined us, appeared to think that pitting the two main airlines on the island against each other was a good idea.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Had the Government taken this flawed and knee-jerk course of action, it would have led only to a damaged Aer Lingus and played directly into the hands of its most significant competitor.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: It would not make sense. It would be bad news for consumers and national aviation policy. I am no economist, but even I know that to keep prices and services consumer-focused requires competition. It is something Fine Gael seems to have forgotten. I was especially amused to hear a Fine Gael Deputy from the mid-west call for Aer Lingus Heathrow slots to be moved from Cork to Shannon Airport.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: That was Fine Gael's considered solution to the problem. Needless to say, it did not take long for him to be reined in by headquarters.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Labour Party asked why the State would not call an EGM to force Aer Lingus to reverse its decision. As I explained at the outset, legal advice to Government on the holding of an EGM has been clear and unequivocal.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Shareholders do not have the power to overrule management decisions on business matters.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Management made the decision on foot of a mandate to develop the company commercially. On foot of its advice, the Government decided it would be inappropriate to intervene in the company's decision making.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: To do so would, ultimately, damage both the company and its customers. While the articles of association of Aer Lingus make specific provision for shareholders to intervene in the event of a decision by the company to dispose of Heathrow slots——

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: ——such provisions are not relevant in the current context where no transfer of ownership is proposed.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Deputies opposite mentioned the word "transfer" which refers to a transfer of ownership from one airline to another.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The slots are not being disposed of and are not being transferred.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I know it is difficult for the Opposition to listen to the truth, but we will continue.

Shannon Airport: Motion (27 Sep 2007)

Noel Dempsey: While Government accepted long ago that the loss of service would have an impact on the region, it would not be valid to conclude that a location lacking immediately proximate, direct access to Heathrow cannot attract investment.