Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to mark today's date, the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp. It is being marked in different ways across Europe today, but I thought it was worth marking it in this House, particularly at a time when we see anti-EU sentiment coming to the fore in many countries. It is important to remember the impetus that brought what are now the European Union nations together in the wake of the Second World War.

I also support calls for a debate on the issues around Aer Lingus, and particularly the suggestion that the remaining 25% Government stake in Aer Lingus might be sold. I oppose that. There are serious concerns about job losses among the 3,500 people employed in Aer Lingus and about connectivity and the preservation of flight routes out of Ireland. The concern expressed by Fianna Fáil on this rings somewhat hollow, given that it was Fianna Fáil and the PDs who floated Aer Lingus in 2006, which is why the Government only has a 25% stake.