Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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57. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he carried out analysis since the takeover of Aer Lingus by the International Airlines Group, or if he had contact from the company regarding the jobs impact of the takeover, whether in terms of jobs created or jobs lost, in view of the public commitments given to his Department at the time of the State's decision to sell its shareholding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22136/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​I have not had cause to carry out such analysis or to have contact with Aer Lingus in relation to jobs since taking up office.

On 26 May 2015 it was announced that the previous Government had decided to support IAG's takeover offer for Aer Lingus.  That decision was taken following extensive discussions with IAG and a detailed consideration of all of the issues involved. A number of issues of particular importance were highlighted at the time, including jobs, connectivity, the Aer Lingus brand, Ireland's airports and, of course, the price being offered.

The offer closed on 2 September 2015 having been accepted by over 98% of the issued share capital of Aer Lingus, including the State's 25.1% shareholding and Aer Lingus' largest shareholder at the time, Ryanair.

Since then IAG's plans for Aer Lingus have progressed broadly in line with those outlined in the offer documentation. Aer Lingus has launched a number of new routes, including three new transatlantic routes to Los Angeles, Hartford and Newark and last week announced the acquisition of two additional long haul aircraft. The airline also announced that passenger numbers and revenue per passenger kilometre were up over 10% in the first five months of this year.

These figures are in line with an overall significant growth in air traffic in and out of the country this year. This can only be good news for jobs in the Irish aviation sector.

I am encouraged to see that Aer Lingus is growing its business as an Irish airline within the IAG Group and that the jobs and working conditions of its employees remain secure.