Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

I am not sure the Government can be any clearer in its approach here. The only way this can be resolved is by parties coming around the table together. The Government cannot force either party to come around the table. What it can do is stress, outline and highlight very clearly the negative implications that this will have for individuals and business throughout this country and also for our reputation, if this were to go ahead. I do not believe pilots want to see that happen. I do not believe Aer Lingus wants to see that happen. That is why I believe both parties will come around the table. The Government has stated clearly that the industrial mechanisms of the State, supported by Government, are ready and available to support both parties but they need to come around the table. There needs to be a willingness there. I believe that willingness is there. The support is available to the parties to do that. That is what the Government will be encouraging and supporting in the coming days before anybody is disrupted in the way the Deputy and I have both outlined.

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