Aer Lingus Loses Passport

I checked in at the counter for my flight (Aer Lingus flight 136, Boston to Dublin, July 31, 2007) and the attendant placed my passport on top of my luggage and processed my ticket and pushed a button causing my luggage AND passport to go down the luggage chute. My brother ... was traveling with me and his passport also went down the chute. The luggage handlers were able to locate (his) passport but I was left without a passport. This has severely upset me and inconvenienced me, especially in light of increased security measures and need for identification. I would like compensation for my loss and time as well as for this inconvenience.