Aer Lingus and victims’ rights Bill
Deputy Broughan seeks a debate on the Aer Lingus offer and asks about the victims’ rights Bill. The Taoiseach says the Government will consider the offer fully and expects the victims’ rights legislation in the second half of the year.
I do not know why the Government did not just say "No" to the sale of Aer Lingus, given the issues of which it is aware in terms of connectivity and slots, among other issues. It is unbearable to listen to the hypocrisy of Fianna Fáil, which sold the majority of the national airline, our flag carrier. Will it be possible for us to have a discussion over a number of hours in this House to allow ordinary Deputies to express their views on the matter?
Second, there is no timeframe for the criminal justice (victims rights) Bill, which is on the C list. When will it be published? I have campaigned in a number of general elections in Dublin North East, now Dublin Bay North. The Taoiseach gave a commitment to meet the Stardust relatives committee at an early date to talk to them about that very important legacy issue. We have addressed many legacy issues in this House, but the Stardust committee feels very strongly that the issue has still not been addressed. Could the Taoiseach meet the relatives in the coming weeks?
Comment on this
I answered the question asked by Deputy O'Dea and others in respect of the Aer Lingus proposition. The Government will be cognisant of all of the issues that must be considered in the context of the offer made by IAG.
The Government must comply with an EU directive on victims' rights by December of this year, and the Bill is expected in the second half of the year.