Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 7: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her view on the industrial relations dispute at Aer Lingus; if she will intervene; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35303/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government very much regrets that Aer Lingus has found itself compelled to consider radical measures in order to remain competitive in the environment in which it is operating. The context in which these developments arise is primarily one of rapid change in the international aviation and wider transport sector. It underlines once again the severity of the challenges being faced across our economy. Obviously, as Minister of State with responsibility for Labour Affairs, I am concerned for employees who feel their jobs may be under threat by what has been proposed.

The industrial relations machinery of the State is, of course, available to provide any possible assistance in resolving the challenges now faced by the management and employees. In this context, I am pleased to note that all sides are co-operating with a process under the chairmanship of the Director of Conciliation of the Labour Relations Commission.