The discussions surrounding the proposed privatisation of Aer Lingus is giving the Government the perfect excuse to delay making a decision, it was claimed tonight.
Olivia Mitchell FG told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport that Aer Lingus management deserved clarity so they could consider their next step.
"My worry and concern now is protracted hearings will give the Government the excuse to procrastinate further," she said.
The committee agreed a motion to examine and discuss with interested parties the future of the airline.
Submissions must be made to the committee with Aer Lingus, Siptu and Impact presenting their concerns on April 6th.
Roisín Shortall who proposed the motion, attacked fellow committee members and chairman John Ellis for holding discussions on the issue in private for 30 minutes before allowing members of the public, including union officials into the hearing.
Serious concerns were also raised over open skies and the airline loss of Heathrow Airport. The committee agreed to write to the Attorney General and the independent legal advice over the possibility of large American airlines buying up the slots for huge amounts.
Today's move was welcomed by Siptu whose members had previously voted to ballot over the privatisation plan.
Michael Halpenny, national industrial secretary said: "We welcome the decision by the committee which will provide an opportunity for a badly needed open discussion on the implications for the economy, the travelling public and the company's employees of the proposed sale of a majority shareholding in the national airline."