Results 1-20 of 25 for in 'Dáil debates' segment:1755173

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Bernard Durkan: Question 45: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which he has had recent discussions with Aer Rianta or Aer Lingus with reference to the future of air transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12537/04]

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Bernard Durkan: Question 214: To ask the Minister for Transport the position in regard to the future of Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12711/04]

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 214 together. My Department is engaging in an ongoing process in Aer Rianta in connection with the Government's decision of last July to restructure the company. I will expand on this process in my replies to more specific questions tabled today. With regard to Aer Lingus, my Department is in regular contact with the company about a range of matters,...

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Bernard Durkan: Will the Minister indicate what discussions he has undertaken with the various parties involved? The unfortunate history in this area shows that discussions appear to take place after the event rather than before it and the Minister will be aware, as an experienced Member of the House, that it is better to have discussions before the event rather than after it. Could he also indicate the...

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: There has been considerable discussion between myself, my officials and the chairmen of both organisations. Discussions with management have occurred on a regular basis and almost weekly in recent weeks in the case of Aer Rianta. There are ongoing discussions. It is usually better to have discussions before making a decision——

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Bernard Durkan: That is usually the approach.

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: ——but sometimes one must make the decision first.

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Bernard Durkan: And have the discussion afterwards?

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: Yes.

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Bernard Durkan: That is a funny way to do business.

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Denis Naughten: I suppose it is important for the Minister to make the decision when a microphone is shoved in front of him. It is important to make a comment on it, at least.

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: The Deputy is not shy either.

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Denis Naughten: What discussions have taken place on the privatisation of Aer Lingus and when does the Minister hope to make a decision on it? Has he discussed the timetable with Aer Lingus? Has the Minister raised with the company the downgrading of the level of service being provided by Aer Lingus at Shannon Airport? Has the Minister discussed the scandal of pilots being paid to stay at home rather than...

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: With regard to Shannon, that is a matter for the board and management of the company in the context of how to run the company commercially.

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Denis Naughten: Deputy McDaid would like a more specific comment, particularly in the next few weeks.

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: I read a reported statement from the chief executive in the newspapers that he was working to resolve the issue regarding the pilots. He said it was not sustainable and I agree.

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Denis Naughten: Everyone would agree with that.

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: With regard to discussions on Aer Lingus, the chairman, the chief executive, my Department's officials and I have had a number of discussions over the past year on the future of the airline. There have also been some discussions at departmental level with trade union interests but I have not yet put any proposal to Cabinet. I will certainly have discussions with all concerned in the event...

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Róisín Shortall: In respect of Aer Rianta, on 18 March we were within hours of having all the airports closed as a result of industrial action. That action was threatened because of a breach of faith by the Minister, according to workers' interests in the airports. The industrial action was only called off following the intervention of the Taoiseach. The workers were no longer willing to take the Minister's...

Aviation Matters. (4 May 2004)

Eamon Ryan: With regard to the sale of Aer Lingus, has the Department carried out an analysis of whether a trade sale of part of the company or a public offering of part of the shareholding in the company is the preferred option? What is the Minister's preference between those two alternatives or is there another option for the sale of the company?