Independent TD Shane Ross described the retention of the Aer Lingus headquarters in Dublin as "a meaningless, token gesture".

“One could have a headquarters with two men and a dog and we can be sure that is what we will have eventually,” he said.

Mr Ross said the promised jobs under the terms of the sale were "phantoms", adding that International Airlines Group (IAG) would not enter into a non-commercial venture to fulfil some clause in the agreement.

“It will break the agreement. That is what rich, capitalist multinationals do, rightly or wrongly.”

Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger said it had been estimated that one person in four could lose their job under the deal if IAG took the traditional path it had followed so far.

“There has not been one word from the Minister about pensions,” Ms Coppinger added. “Did he receive any assurance about the matter or does he have anything to say about it ?”

Minister for Children James Reilly rounded on Fianna Fáil, saying it was galling to hear those who privatised Aer Lingus criticise the deal. "They surrendered State control of the airline and of the slots in Heathrow airport," he said.

“When they privatised the company, they failed to secure the assurances that we have now received.”

Dr Reilly said Fianna Fáil’s attack on the deal was “old- style, cynical politics at its worst”.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin of Sinn Féin said that while he was not shocked, he was deeply saddened that the Government would force through its decision by weight of numbers.

Mr Ó Caoláin said the assurance that compulsory redundancies or non-direct employment were not envisaged was clever language that did not guarantee anything.

"Aer Lingus has a proud record of service to the people of Ireland, " he added. "Care, comfort and courtesy are all traits of the Aer Lingus brand and its cabin crew staff who have always impressed me."