Vol. 467 No. 7
410 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he supports the view of the Chief Executive of Aer Lingus that commercial initiatives, such as strategic alliances, pose no threat to jobs in Aer Lingus and will actually improve employment prospects in the company. [14101/96]
412 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his understanding of the status and role of a Delta employee on an Aer Lingus flight in approving the Aer Lingus/Delta alliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14103/96]
413 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his understanding of the impact on the Aer Lingus employees in approving the Aer Lingus/Delta transatlantic alliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14105/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 410, 412 and 413 together.
As I stated in reply to a similar question on 28 May last, and on a number of previous occasions, the Government will continue to encourage Aer Lingus to develop appropriate strategic alliances with other airlines as part of its overall development strategy. We would not do so if we did not believe that such alliances improve employment prospects in the company.
I have no function in relation to specific employment issues in Aer Lingus.
