Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the hostile takeover of Aer Lingus by Ryanair, its implications for Cork, Shannon and Knock airports and the fallout from it. I have no faith in a European Commission which might make a decision at arm's length and without looking at the real problems of this country. Over the last four or five years there has, for different reasons, been a 40% fall-off in traffic in and out of Cork Airport. We should not rush into allowing this takeover but look at its full impact and make a full evaluation of it. It is worthy of a debate in the House.

I also join other Senators in asking the Leader to arrange a debate on the proposed sale of Coillte. This could be a retrograde step and could have serious implications for the future of forestry in Ireland. The various aspects of the sale of Coillte merit a half-day's debate in the House. It could tie in with the proposed takeover of Aer Lingus by Ryanair. Given the lessening of the pressure on our financial debts following last week's negotiations, the Government should re-think these strategic developments.