FF to Seek Suspension of Aer Lingus Vote
Published on: 27 May 2015
Emergence of Nyras Report demonstrates need for proper committee investigation of proposed IAG deal
Fianna Fáil is to table a Private Notice Question in Dáil Éireann tomorrow in a bid to suspend the current debate and proposed vote to sell off the national strategic stake in Aer Lingus.
The move follows the emergence of a report prepared by the Nyras consultancy for Aer Lingus, in which the company sets out a range of dramatic cost reductions across the airline, including a proposal to outsource part of aircraft maintenance to Eastern Europe.
Deputy Dooley commented, “The Government’s approach to the whole debate around selling the national strategic stake in Aer Lingus has been appalling. Despite promises to bring all relevant information before the Transport Committee and assurances that there would be a proper well informed debate before any decision to sell, the Government is now seeking to rush through a vote without even its own backbenchers being in possession of the full facts.
“We know this to be the case because Fianna Fáil has come into possession of a report prepared by the Nyras consultancy for Aer Lingus, which compares the airline’s cost base to a range of low cost airlines and sets out cost reduction strategies that would directly impact jobs at the airline and speaks directly to the issue of the value of the airline.
“However, the Government itself claims to be entirely unaware of the report – a very serious situation in itself, given the Government’s status as a 25% shareholder.
“If there is a shred of good faith on the Government benches, there will be no vote on the future of Aer Lingus unless and until TDs get to examine all the relevant paperwork relating to this deal and to the airline’s plans, including the Nyras Report.
“Tomorrow, Fianna Fáil will table a Private Notice Question to suspend the debate until this examination takes place. We will be calling on TDs from all parties who claim to have an interest in the airline’s future, to support this motion.”