Vol. 505 No. 1
33 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the recommendations and identified sources of new equity contained in the report from Aer Lingus on the future strategic direction of the airline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12986/99]
The Aer Lingus report to which the Deputy refers is being examined by an international firm of advisers – Salomon Smith Barney – who have been engaged by myself and the Minister for Finance to assess the suitability of the strategic alliance proposal recommended by the airline. This assessment will include an examination of Aer Lingus' future capital needs and how these can best be funded.
I expect to be in a position to report to Government in July on the future of Aer Lingus and possible sources of funding for the airline. It would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to anticipate the outcome of the evaluation process and eventual Government decisions regarding the future of Aer Lingus.
