Some of the negative comments on the Government's disposal of the State's minority shareholding in Aer Lingus are very much at variance with the positive comments we have heard from business and tourism interests in Dublin and the regions.

The Senator is referring to a stage-managed public relations exercise.

None of the critics has stated that if the deal, with its commitments and guarantees, is not accepted, the alternative will be a hostile takeover, which would not include any such guarantees. I am glad that the Aer Lingus brand will be retained and the company's headquarters will continue to be located in Dublin.

For how long will it remain in Dublin? Will Aer Lingus pensioners have €340 million returned to them? The company's former employees were savaged by the Government in January.

It is significant that the sale has the potential to create 150 additional jobs by 2016 and a further 650 jobs by 2020.

What will happen to Shannon and Cork airports?