Call for quick resolution on future of Aer Lingus
Holding ongoing discussions over the proposed privatisation of Aer Lingus is giving the Government the perfect excuse to delay making a decision it was claimed tonight.
Opposition politicians agreed a conclusion is needed quickly for the sake of the airline, its staff, consumers and the economy.
Olivia Mitchell FG told the Joint Oireachtas committee on transport Aer Lingus management deserved clarity so they could consider their next step.
She said: “My worry and concern now is protracted hearings will give the Government the excuse to procrastinate further.”
The committee agreed a motion to examine and discuss with interested parties the future of the airline.
Submissions have to be made to the committee with Aer Lingus Siptu Impact presenting their concerns on April 6.
Roisin Shortall who proposed the motion, attacked fellow committee members and chairman John Ellis for holding discussions on the issue in private for 30 minutes before allowing members of the public, including union officials into the hearing. “This item was listed as a public item and a public agenda” she said.
“I think it was totally wrong for us to have our discussion in private.”
The Labour TD continued: “Aer Lingus is a very successful and profitable company owned by all of us as taxpayers.
“Alarm bells should start ringing when we think what we were told about the privatisation of Eircom. It turned out to be an absolute disaster.”
Serious concerns were also raised over open skies and the airline loss of Heathrow Airport.
The committee agreed to write to the Attorney General and the independent legal advice over the possibility of large American airlines buying up the slots for huge amounts.
Today’s move was welcomed by Siptu whose members had previously voted to ballot over the privatisation plan.
Michael Halpenny, national industrial secretary said: “We welcome the decision by the committee which will provide an opportunity for a badly needed open discussion on the implications for the economy, the travelling public and the company’s employees of the proposed sale of a majority shareholding in the national airline.”
