Shane Ross (Independent)

Once again we are in danger in this House of being left as spectators while important issues are being discussed elsewhere. Could we have an early debate on an issue with which the Leader is familiar, having been in the Department for so long, the privatisation of Aer Lingus? It is capturing the imagination of the media and will be a key issue in the partnership talks, although it is debatable if it should be dealt with in that forum. It will certainly not be debated in the Oireachtas unless we take the bull by the horns and decide this controversial issue should be discussed by parliamentary representatives. In view of this I ask the Leader to give time for an early debate on the privatisation of Aer Lingus, particularly the company's pension fund which is in deficit to the tune of at least €200 million, and the remedies the Minister proposes for addressing this problem if the company is to be privatised. With the House in danger of being relegated to the position of spectators, Senators should take the issue by the horns and address it.

I support the Government's decision that the House would not sit last week and agree that Ministers should travel abroad on St. Patrick's Day. While this issue creates controversy in the media and among members of the Opposition from time to time, there has never been a better time for Ministers to go abroad carrying the message of the success of the economy. Those who carp about this are missing the point. We have an extraordinary asset in that St. Patrick's Day is celebrated around the world. I do not know of any other country which enjoys a similar asset and it is sensible for the Government to exploit it. I congratulate Ministers on the message they carried abroad. Despite what we are led to believe, it is not great fun to travel for two days to the United States or other countries. On the contrary, it is a cause of a certain amount of misery and I commend the Ministers in question on their efforts. I hope the Opposition, if and when it eventually gets into power, will carry on this practice of which it has been so critical.