Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I am concerned about the proposed Aer Lingus strike next Tuesday and Friday, which will upset the travelling public greatly. It is regrettable that I cannot even ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Transport to the House because the latter is no longer accountable for Aer Lingus as it is a private company. All I can do is appeal to both sides, particularly SIPTU, to enter negotiations to agree on outstanding issues. The Labour Relations Commission should become involved as a matter of urgency. The Aer Lingus workers have shares in the company amounting to approximately 15% and they are only killing the golden goose in this regard. I ask the Labour Party, which was funded by SIPTU during the general election campaign and whose Senators and Deputies get a nice contribution from that union during election time, which I, as a Member——