Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 182: To ask the Minister for Transport if his Department's Press Office brought press reports relating to the establishment of a hub by Aer Lingus in Belfast to his attention; the response given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25736/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department's Press Office did not bring press reports relating to the establishment of a hub by Aer Lingus in Belfast to my attention before my office was made aware of this possibility at the end of July.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 183: To ask the Minister for Transport when he first became aware of the decision of Aer Lingus to end the Shannon Heathrow service; the person who informed him of this fact; the actions he took including contacts, meetings and formal or informal discussions with Aer Lingus employees or Aer Lingus board or former board members, civil servants, employees of State or semi State companies, public representatives or others; if meetings took place ,the dates of such meetings and with whom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25737/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An email was sent to my Private Secretary by an Assistant Secretary in my Department which stated that Aer Lingus intended "to announce the new Belfast base on 8th August. This will involve the reallocation of Shannon-Heathrow slots to Belfast from early 2008".

A meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive was arranged for the earliest opportunity — 3rd August. At the meeting, which was also attended by officials, the Chairman and Chief Executive informed me of the decision to open a hub in Belfast and to reallocate all of the Shannon Heathrow slots to a new Belfast-Heathrow service.

In the aftermath of the decision I had contacts, direct and indirect, with the Chairman of Aer Lingus during which I conveyed the Government's views to him.

I had a more formal meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive on August 28th the details of which I outlined to the House on 18th October. Since 3rd August I have spoken to Aer Lingus board members, civil servants, public representatives and many others.