Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I join with other Senators in calling for a debate on Aer Lingus at the earliest possible opportunity. There is much misinformation abroad. As Senator O'Toole said, one would be forgiven for believing that the airline is in some level of turmoil in terms of its economic situation, if one takes notice of some of the headlines in today's newspapers. The company will this year turn in a profit in excess of €95 million. It is important to recognise, however, that there is a strategic role for Aer Lingus and that it is not merely a question of maximising profits. There are other interests which must be maintained, particularly with regard to tourism, economic development and regional development. The latter is a critical issue, especially in the mid-west and Shannon regions.