Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Daly's remarks regarding Aer Lingus and the mid-west. Shannon Airport serves all of the west of Ireland as an international airport and it is important that we discuss it. It is also important that Senator Daly mentioned Shannon Development. Aer Lingus has turned its fortunes around and credit is due to the management of the company for that. However, talk of a management buy-out is a step too far. This proposal has caused major concern among the travelling public and particularly among those who work for the company. The reports I have seen of a possible loss of more than 1,000 jobs are worrying.