Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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63. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if in view of public comments and commitments by his predecessor at the time of the takeover of Aer Lingus, he has had any contact with Aer Lingus since that time in respect of jobs and working conditions there. [21980/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​I have not had cause to have contact with Aer Lingus in relation to jobs or working conditions within the airline 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 documentation published jointly at the time by IAG and Aer Lingus outlined in some detail IAG’s plans to sustain and create employment both in Aer Lingus and the wider economy. IAG also confirmed that the existing employment rights of the employees of Aer Lingus would be fully safeguarded.

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 and 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.