Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like many more, I wish to raise the proposed purchase of Aer Lingus by IAG and the strange offer that is on the table concerning the Heathrow slots involving the chambers of commerce. I have huge regard for the chambers of commerce in the country, particularly the Shannon chamber, which is a long-running chamber that does fantastic work. The Taoiseach addressed a luncheon organised by the Shannon chamber only a few months ago. Is it appropriate that the slots would be entrusted, vetoed or whatever by chambers of commerce? I do not believe it is. This sale is ridiculous.

The best thing that can happen at this stage is for the Government to bring clarity and a finality to what has become a media circus. The Minister needs to get his working group to speed up its discussions. We all know what the inevitable outcome will be. The slots and the company will not be sold. It is as simple as that. There is far more work to be done in government than to continue on with this charade. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has enough on his plate dealing with issues related to deregulation and ensuring that some of our public transport companies could start operating more efficiently as opposed to having to invest so much time in something the outcome which we all know. I ask the Leader to organise a debate with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, in attendance on this and other issues in the transportation area, the outcome of which we do not know and which require some input, energy, discussion and deliberation. We all know what the outcome of this charade will be. It will not be sold.