David Norris (Independent)

I join with my colleagues in calling for an explanation of the Aer Lingus situation. The Minister appeared before the Joint Committee on Transport, and I attended that meeting. There are worries about it. The same, or similar, advisers who were involved in the Eircom situation have been advising on this. It does not look as if we will get a good deal. The public was misled in the run up to this by suggestions that it was legally impossible for the Government to invest in Aer Lingus. We know this is not the case. I would welcome a debate on the matter. Bypassing the Seanad is a bad idea, although it does not surprise me.

I also join with my colleagues in expressing pleasure and satisfaction that the massacre at the Somme was officially commemorated in a dignified and appropriate way. It was also moving that, for the first time, a stamp commemorating this was issued. I would have liked to have been there but because of various factors my invitation did not arrive until Wednesday and it was too late to rearrange my schedule. However I am glad it took place.

I wish to raise the establishment of a heritage council, which is to be welcomed. I would like to think it would be a vigorous body. I regret that An Taisce has been excluded——