Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Minister of State, Deputy Gerald Nash, on establishing the Low Pay Commission and for nominating Dr. Donal De Buitléir as the chairman. The commission's economists are Ms Mary Mosse from Waterford Institute of Technology and Professor Donal O'Neill from Maynooth University. We have a problem with low pay and increasing inequality. The Minister of State has chosen wisely.

I wish the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, a speedy recovery from his eye ailment. As Lord Kitchener said, "Your country needs you." This applies where the Minister is concerned.

I propose that we consider taking very soon non-Government motion No. 14. It is not in my name but in the names of other Senators and concerns Aer Lingus. What we now have is the refusal of the chairman of Aer Lingus to disclose the vote at his board when the takeover was agreed. There is substantial evidence of utter collusion between the two airlines. They were singing from the same sheet when in to see us one week after the other. There is evidence in the UK courts that Aer Lingus and British Airways blamed Ryanair for not allowing them to sell the Heathrow slots. They then told us they never wanted to sell the Heathrow slots. There is a smell from this deal. I was most disappointed to see members of the Fine Gael Party being chatted up on the front page of The Irish Timestoday and claiming they favour the deal. We have not debated the issue here and have to hear both sides. That is not happening.