Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----particularly when one considers the €64 billion that was secured for the banks on 29 September 2008. The Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Simon Harris, heard that debate and could confirm that nobody supported what was done. Whether or not one likes privatisation is not really the issue. I did not like this particular one and have opposed it in this House. I thank colleagues for their indulgence in the matter. In the budget this year, Ervia is putting €250 million into the Exchequer, which is to be allocated to housing. The priority should not be to give the Aer Lingus money back to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.Consideration should be given to spending it on social priorities such as housing, education and the health service.