David Norris (Independent)

I want to ask about the situation regarding Aer Lingus because I agree with my colleagues that it would be good if the Minister came to the House because he has attended a meeting of the Joint Committee on Transport. However, this is our responsibility. We passed this legislation, neutering ourselves. It is the responsibility of Members on the Government side because the Government has a majority. There was nothing we could do. We could vote against it but the legislation would still go through. I hope Members on the Government side will never again abrogate their responsibility to the Irish people by allowing legislation on important matters like this to go through only one House of the Oireachtas. This is an appalling matter.