Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 321: To ask the Minister for Transport if his Department has met or has plans to meet with the chief executive of Aer Lingus to discuss the importance of maintaining services between Shannon Airport and destinations in the US including JFK and Boston airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36905/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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In an introductory meeting with the new CEO of Aer Lingus Group plc on 17th September, the CEO indicated to me that the company expected to announce a 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, and regional development policy.

Ultimately, decisions on commercial and operational matters at Aer Lingus are a matter for the Board and management of the Company and it is not open to the Government to intervene in such matters.