Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Transport if has had discussions with Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus board members appointed by the Government regarding the recent job cuts announcements by Aer Lingus; if he was advised in advance of its proposals; if he expressed a view on such proposals either before or after the company announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36535/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The cost-restructuring plan recently announced by Aer Lingus Group plc is entirely a matter for the Board and management of the company. I was not advised by the company of the details of the plan in advance of the announcement to the Stock Exchange. A representative of the company briefed officials from my Department on the details of the plan on 7th October following the company's announcement to the Stock Exchange.

In an introductory meeting with the new CEO of the company on 17th September, the CEO indicated to me that the company expected to announce its cost-restructuring plan in October and that very hard decisions would have to be taken if the company was to survive in the long term. I outlined clearly to the CEO Government Aviation Policy on connectivity & competitiveness, Regional and Development policy. I would encourage Aer Lingus management and employees to engage constructively in the consultation process, which the company has now commenced, to get the airline through this difficult period and emerge stronger in the future.