Vol. 510 No. 4
34 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Finance the further discussions, if any, he has had with other parties in relation to the future of Aer Lingus; if he will provide capital for the company as part of the national plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22692/99]
As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for Aer Lingus is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Public Enterprise. The Government gave approval in July for the Aer Lingus proposal to enter into a strategic alliance with British Airways and American Airlines. I wish to say in that regard that I have had no meeting with the company, with union representatives or with any other party to discuss the future of Aer Lingus.
Officials from my Department, along with officials from the Department of Public Enterprise, are currently participating in a process with the board of Aer Lingus and the social partners to identify the capital needs of the company and the alternatives ways in which any capital need can be addressed. Following the completion of this process, the Minister for Public Enterprise will submit proposals to the Government.
