Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has met with Aer Lingus representatives to discuss the scrapping of the airline's routes to Orlando and Washington in the United States; the efforts he will make to ensure that other routes to the US are maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21208/05]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the decision of Aer Lingus to end its service to Orlando; if Aer Lingus's service to Los Angeles is secure in the longer term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21161/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 39 and 109 together.

The issues raised in relation to the operation of services by Aer Lingus are day-to-day matters for the airline, taking account of its commercial mandate. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to intervene.

In announcing the cessation of the Orlando service from 12 January 2006, Aer Lingus advised that the decision was reached following the failure of the IMPACT cabin crew to agree to necessary work practice changes.

Aer Lingus believes that there is significant growth potential, particularly on long-haul routes, provided it has the appropriate cost base and access to funds to finance aircraft acquisition. As a result of the recent decision on the sale of a majority shareholding, the Government, for its part, is ensuring that the necessary funds will be made available to the company. It is, therefore, imperative that Aer Lingus management and staff urgently agree on the changes necessary to achieve the appropriate cost base and operational flexibility essential to support a sustainable growth plan.