Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I just want this on the record, but am not here to debate the issue with Senator Norris, for whom I have great regard. What is happening in this State is a disgrace. I am talking as someone who voted against the Water Services Bill. All of us have different views on this issue, but that is not the way to protest. Certainly, crossing a line through that type of protest against the President and Head of State is a dangerous line to cross and is not acceptable. The Seanad should say with one voice that it is not acceptable.
We discussed Aer Lingus on the Order of Business yesterday and I welcome the fact the Minister will be in the House for half an hour today and welcome the contributions made by Members from all sides yesterday. This is a serious situation for the company, the country and for Ireland in general in regard to our connectivity with Heathrow and job security. I agree with what Senator Whelan said yesterday, that the Seanad should speak as one voice on this. It should state that as far as it is concerned, the Government should not sell its stake of 25.1% in Aer Lingus and should protect Ireland's strategic interest. With that in mind, I ask Members to look at my motion, which does not condemn the Government or anything like that. No. 60, motion No. 14, proposes:

That Seanad Éireann calls on the Government to reject the IAG/British Airways bid to purchase Aer Lingus and believes that the Government should retain its 25.1% stake in the company so as to protect Ireland's strategic interests and to support job retention in Aer Lingus.

I intend to move an amendment to the Order of Business to have this motion taken before No. 1. It would be advantageous if the Seanad accepted that motion in advance of the Minister coming to the House, because it would show that the Seanad stands as one against the sale of the 25.1% stake the Government holds in Aer Lingus.