THE controversy surrounding the Government’s decision to sell its stake in Aer Lingus continues - as Fianna Fáil calls on the main parties to suspend a vote on the matter.
Timmy Dooley, the opposition party's transport spokesperson, is calling for the suspension in light of a confidential report prepared for Aer Lingus by consultancy firm Nyras.
It is believed the report sets out a number of cost-cutting measures, including reducing the number of pilots and cabin crew, though Aer Lingus says the document was a cost-base comparison presentation, with no bearing on jobs.
This is disputed by Deputy Dooley.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
On Tuesday evening the Government announced its intention to go ahead with the proposed sale of its 25 per cent stake in Aer Lingus to IAG.
It is expected to go to a vote in the Dáil today and has been supported by both the Fine Gael and Labour parties.
