FG joins calls for Aer Lingus funding

Fine Gael has tabled a motion in the Dail calling on Public Enterprise Minister Mary O’Rourke to pressure the EU into dropping its ban on state aid for ailing airlines.

The motion also urges the Government to suspend any plans to sell off Aer Lingus for at least three years.

Fine Gael’s move comes after Aer Lingus’ board of directors spent the day reviewing how best to proceed in light of the crisis currently facing the aviation industry worldwide.

The Fine Gael motion points out that the US Government has allocated $15bn in aid for US airlines, many of which compete with Aer Lingus on transatlantic routes.

For this reason, the opposition wants Minister O’Rourke to lobby the EU to change its competition laws and allow the Irish Government to financially support Aer Lingus.

Fine Gael spokesman Denis Naughten said Aer Lingus is vital to Ireland’s commercial life and must be supported in its time of need.