Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

318. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide copies of any written agreements between the Government and International Airlines Group, IAG, dealing with the issue of compulsory redundancies, specifically relating to an agreement that no compulsory redundancies would take place within five years of IAG's takeover of Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34226/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The terms and conditions of IAG's takeover offer for Aer Lingus, which the previous Government and the vast majority of other shareholders accepted, were outlined in detail in the Offer Document published on 19 June 2015. This included the following forward looking statement in relation to compulsory redundancies: 'Aer Lingus is also committed to the principle that it would not utilise compulsory redundancy or a movement to non-direct employment in a scenario where the changes and efficiencies that the business requires can be achieved through flexibility and mobility internally delivered by staff and their trade union representatives'. The Offer Document makes clear that such forward looking statements 'involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements'. There are no written agreements between the Government and IAG in relation to compulsory redundancies. The legally binding commitments included in IAG's Offer relate to Heathrow slots and the Aer Lingus brand and HQ, and these commitments are incorporated into Aer Lingus' revised Articles of Association.

Since the takeover IAG's plans for Aer Lingus have progressed broadly in line with those outlined in the Offer Documentation. Aer Lingus has announced the creation of new jobs, launched a number of new routes, increased its passenger numbers and acquired new aircraft.