asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if in view of the splendid record of Captain T. J. Hanley and of First Officer T.J. Whyte and of their skill and ability he will request Aer Lingus Teoranta to retain both these officers in their employment during the suspension of their licences.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retention of Aer Lingus Officers.
The licences of Captain Hanley and First Officer Whyte have not been suspended; they have been endorsed so as to preclude these officers from acting as pilots in aircraft carrying passengers.
I have no function in relation to questions affecting employment in Aer Lingus Teoranta as these are matters of internal administration which are the exclusive responsibility of the board of the company. I have no doubt,however, that in considering the question of the future employment of Captain Hanley and First Officer Whyte, the board will take full account of the factors mentioned by the Deputy as well as any other relevant considerations.
Would the Minister agree that questions of this kind may not be helpful for the officers concerned and that they are to be deprecated?
That is a separate question.
Mr. A. Byrne
Will the Minister give consideration to the claims of these men? I am not to be pushed away by another Deputy interfering or other people saying this question is to be deprecated. In view of the excellent work of these men might I not appeal for consideration for their case?
I know that the officers concerned did not ask that this question should be asked.