Joe O'Toole (Independent)

While I agree with the words of Senator Brian Hayes on Margaret Hassan, I would prefer to wait until we are absolutely sure she is dead before I comment. It would be appropriate to speak at that time.

On reading this morning's newspapers, one would believe there were only three people working in Aer Lingus. People have forgotten that, over the past 12 or 13 years, Aer Lingus has reduced its workforce by thousands, increased its productivity, co-operated with Cahill plans, recovery plans, Willie Walsh's plans and those of everyone else. I would like a balanced debate on this issue without politicking. I would also like to see the publication of the Goldman Sachs plans so that I could say in the House that they have suggested selling off the airline or part of it. To paraphrase Mandy Rice-Davies's statement of some years ago, "They would, wouldn't they?". That is what their business is about and that is how they would get their money.

Yesterday we all received a guide for board members of State bodies. It is worthwhile looking at page 17, which states that a board and a CEO of a board are required to have clear channels of communication with the stakeholders and to make sure these channels are working. In a previous esteemed job, our esteemed Leader, in the course of her daily ablutions one morning, heard of a major change in one of the State companies. We have seen three young men in a hurry doing a very good job but, without any discussion with the stakeholder, they put forward a proposal for an MBO and a new recovery plan. They have done a good job and should be praised for it, and I have supported them in what they have had to do and am sorry to see them go, but the reality is that when those young men in a hurry were made, the mould was not broken. There are many others who can do the job. The view in this morning's business pages that the company is dead because three people have left it is questionable. It is a pity they have done so, they have done a great job and I ask them to reconsider their positions. However, if they go, they go, and we should move on to the next step. I would like a representative of the Government to explain to the House what the Government is doing and how it will proceed.