Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 1

Written Answers. - Aer Lingus Privatisation Proposals.

Seán Ryan

Question:

14 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if any studies have been commissioned by the board of Aer Lingus into the privatisation of their services or their auxillary businesses; if he will outline his policy in relation to the retention of the company in public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mr. S. Brennan)

The board of Aer Lingus have no proposals before me for the privatisation of their services or their ancillary businesses. Neither have I any plans under consideration for the privatisation of Aer Lingus.

For the record, however, let me say that I am aware of the following studies: (a) by Goldman Sachs commissioned by Aer Lingus in 1985; (b) by National City Brokers commissioned by the then Minister for Communications in 1986; (c) by Davy Kelleher McCarthy commissioned by Aer Lingus in 1988; and (d) by Boston Consulting Group commissioned by Aer Lingus in 1991.

I must stress that these studies were all of a broader nature than privatisation and no privatisation proposals have emerged from the company as a result of them.