Talks on Aer Lingus’s fate to get public airing

THERE was a widespread welcome last night for a decision to hold public Oireachtas hearings into the Government’s controversial proposal to privatise Aer Lingus.

The Oireachtas Transport Committee passed a motion, proposed by Labour transport spokeswoman Roisín Shortall, to examine the proposed sale.

Members from all parties welcomed the opportunity to hold hearings into the sale of the semi-state body, which will be held from April 6. Prior to that, the committee will advertise in the national press seeking submissions from the public and other interested parties.

First up, the committee will hear the views of SIPTU, IMPACT and the management of Aer Lingus.

The committee is also to invite Transport Minister Martin Cullen to make a submission. However, it will be a matter for Mr Cullen to decide whether to actually attend formal hearings.

The precise format of next month’s hearings was decided in private session yesterday amid some objections from Ms Shortall, who afterwards accused the committee of “colluding to hold an extended debate in private session”. But committee chairman John Ellis rejected the allegation.

“This is not a closed shop and it should not be described by anyone as a closed shop,” he said.

Criticising the sale of the semi-state, Ms Shortall said there was nothing to prevent the Government from investing in the airline as a profitable commercial enterprise.

“If Aer Lingus represents a good investment for the private sector, then it’s a good investment for the public sector,” she said.

That view was backed up by Senator David Norris, who warned the failed privatisation of New Zealand’s national airline should be a lesson to learn.

Fine Gael transport spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell said she was concerned the decision to hold hearings would further delay a final decision to sell.

“I’m worried protracted hearings are going to give an excuse to the Government to procrastinate further,” she said.

Fianna Fáil deputies Peter Power and Jim Glennon both welcomed the decision to hold balanced hearings although they warned against others bringing preconceived agendas.

Last night SIPTU, which is continuing to campaign against privatisation, also welcomed the development.

National industrial secretary Michael Halpenny said the decision reflected “widespread scepticism and concern about the wisdom of the proposed sale”.

“From our perspective the decision has little economic rationale and means the national airline would be handed over to venture capitalists for the price of four airplanes,” he said.