Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I get a sense of euphoria, that in some way the Greek election result will change debt all over Europe. I was somewhat disappointed last night because I thought some of the finance ministers were less than equivocal in their statements on the news.

While I support the call for a debt conference, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate in the House on debt and quantitative easing - more of a briefing than anything else - in order that we have some idea of where we are going. I have a horrible feeling a little deal will be done behind closed doors to keep Greece in the euro area.

On the sale of Aer Lingus, I was utterly disgusted to learn this morning that a small number of senior managers were likely to benefit to the tune of €30 million if Aer Lingus was sold. That is reprehensible when there are people who have taken a massive hit to their pensions, as Senator Darragh O'Brien pointed out. Not only are we giving away a purse of some €400 million to a likely buyer, we are also giving a hefty handshake to a small number of people who between them own 11.7 million shares in the company. In a country that is on its knees that is totally unacceptable; therefore, I support the call for a debate on the sale of Aer Lingus.