Aer Lingus report must be made available to Transport Committee – FF
Published on: 25 May 2015
The Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport Timmy Dooley TD is calling on the Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe to make the report on the sale of Aer Lingus available to Oireachtas Committee on Transport.
It’s been confirmed that the Government has now received the expert report on the controversial proposed sale of the State airline. Any sale would require the backing of the Dáil.
Deputy Dooley explained, “The disposal of the State’s shares in a company must receive the support of the Dáil. For that reason, it is only right that public representatives from all sides are given the opportunity to examine the expert advice on hand.
“The Oireachtas Transport Committee has held numerous discussions on this issue and has met and questioned all stakeholders involved in a possible sale of Aer Lingus. It is only right that the Committee, which has representatives from all parties as well as Independents, would receive a copy of the report without further delay.
“It is imperative that the long-term interests of the country, our economy, the tourism sector and our consumers are the top priority in this decision. This decision must not be about a quick fix financial gain at the expense of Ireland’s long-term strategic interests.
“In the interests of democracy and transparency, the Transport Minister must open up this report to scrutiny of public representatives outside his own Government colleagues. I am urging him to commit to do so today.”