Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the restructuring plans of Aer Lingus; the discussions he has had with the board on its proposed job cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12871/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is satisfied, from all of the information available to it, that a major restructuring of the Group's cost base is essential if Aer Lingus is to return to profitability and growth. The cost base of Aer Lingus is seriously out of line with that of its competitors. The Government want to see a strong viable Aer Lingus in the future.

The cornerstones of Government aviation policy are competitiveness and connectivity and a viable Aer Lingus is key to ensuring the achievement of these objectives.

The implementation of the restructuring plan is a commercial matter for the Board and management of Aer Lingus to address. I have no function in this regard.