Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I respect Senator Morrissey for his straight talking on this issue. I recently heard him speak on the issue. Sacrifices made by workers, as well as management, have been responsible for the success of Aer Lingus in recent times. In the past two years, the airline made a profit of almost €200 million. The resignation of the management team will cause much uncertainty in the marketplace, therefore, the last thing one needs is dither and fudge. One should take cognisance of any reports, which have been commissioned, including the Goldman Sachs report. I would like the Government to make a decision in the near future on the future of Aer Lingus.

I agree with Senator Ryan that it is very expensive to fly to Dublin from regional airports, whether with Aer Arann or Aer Lingus, and regardless of whether one travels from Shannon or Cork. This is in direct contradiction of the marketing policies advocated by Ryanair and Aer Lingus offering packages to all foreign destinations at very reduced rates while the Irish customer who wants to stay in this country and fly within it is ripped off. I would like the issue to be seriously examined.

In Inchydoney, the Taoiseach said he did not care any more for left or right. Not too long ago he described himself as a social democrat. In the past week he described himself as a socialist. In the animal kingdom he would be described as a chameleon. The Taoiseach is very skilful in adapting according to the marketplace.