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Watch: Tánaiste says the ball is "in the IAG court" over Aer Lingus

The Tánaiste Joan Burton says the ball is now in the court of the International Airlines G...
Newstalk
Newstalk

06.57 1 Mar 2015


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Watch: Tánaiste says the ball...

Watch: Tánaiste says the ball is "in the IAG court" over Aer Lingus

Newstalk
Newstalk

06.57 1 Mar 2015


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The Tánaiste Joan Burton says the ball is now in the court of the International Airlines Group (IAG) in relation to Aer Lingus. 

Her comments come after the Labour party national conference passed a motion calling on the government to obtain certain guarantees around employment and other issues at Aer Lingus if it is to accept any future offer from IAG.

Delegates at the party's national conference are also seeking assurances on the future of Cork and Shannon airports if the airline is sold.

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While it is now Labour Party policy, this does not apply to government policy.

Labour TD Joe Costello says the State can get a better offer from IAG if it pushes hard enough:

The final emergency motion put to the conference was strengthened, saying there should be no outsourcing of jobs alongside guarantees on conditions.

The motion has been signed by eight Labour TDs.

It also states that the former flag carrier has strong growth prospects, survived the economic crisis and the 9/11 terror attacks.

It calls on the government to reject any further offer for the taxpayers share unless there is an independent evaluation of the Heathrow slots, there are meaningful guarantees around those slots, a guarantee for workers rights and conditions and plans for the promotion of Cork and Shannon Airports.

Tánaiste Joan Burton says this shows how strongly people feel on the issue:

Dublin-North TD Brendan Ryan moved the motion.

John Dowling, a Labour member from Dublin-Rathdown, says the party needs to be realistic.

While Rural Affairs Minister Ann Phelan gave her backing.

The vote was passed overwhelmingly:


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