In the programme for Government, the Taoiseach committed to a shared future for all, in the aftermath of Covid. He and the Tánaiste repeatedly said that workers who have played a key role in keeping our society going during Covid should get a reward. Will the Taoiseach comment on the shocking efforts by Aer Lingus, the national flag carrier, to try to impose a pay freeze on 1,000 ground staff until 2024 and a 10% reduction in its rostered allowances, against which the workers have now voted twice? In the most recent result in the past few days, 85% of the workers voted against this shocking attempt to cut their pay. These workers are faced with inflation which is now, according to the Department of Finance, looking as though it will go up to 7% because of events in Ukraine and Aer Lingus expects them to take effective pay cuts. Will the Taoiseach join with me in commending those workers in rejecting this disgraceful pay cut from a company that got huge amounts of public money-----

Deputy, please.

-----from this Government during the Covid pandemic?

The Deputy was correct in saying that the company received very substantial funding from Government through EWSS and other aviation supports, both for airlines and airports, during Covid-19. The airlines took a huge hit, as we know, throughout the pandemic. That has to be acknowledged as well. However, the successful way to retain good quality employees, staff and so on is to reward them and acknowledge their contribution during Covid-19. It was not their particular fault-----

The same company gave a 10% pay increase to British Airways workers. I forgot to say that.

-----and there are mechanisms. We do not engage here in operational decisions of companies but, clearly, from basic principles and values, workers' efforts should be acknowledged.