Enterprise minister to be briefed on Aer Lingus crisis

The Minister for Public Enterprise is to be briefed next week on the industrial crisis facing Aer Lingus.

Mary O'Rourke will be brought up to speed on developments after an emergency board meeting of the national airline on Monday.

The foot-and-mouth crisis and two 24-hour strikes within a week are hitting Aer Lingus hard.

Today's industrial action by SIPTU clerical and general workers grounded 160 flights and affected 20,000 passengers and is estimated to have cost the company £2m.

The Aer Lingus board is to meet on Monday to discuss the problems facing the company.

Chairman Bernie Cahill will then brief Mary O'Rourke who in turn is expected to brief her cabinet colleagues on the worsening internal relations at Aer Lingus.