Jim O'Keeffe
Question:58 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her strategic priority in relation to decisions on the future of Aer Lingus. [25943/99]
Written Answers - Air Services.
Seán Ryan
Question:60 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, the Government has to proceed with an initial public offering in Aer Lingus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26014/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 60 together.
In so far as Aer Lingus is concerned, my strategic priority is to secure the company's future as a strong and viable airline providing air services with all our main tourism and export markets. An essential element in this regard is the airline's entry into a major strategic alliance. I am pleased to advise that Aer Lingus has finalised agreement for an alliance with American Airlines and British Airways. The airline has also recently been confirmed as a member of the Oneworld global airline alliance.
As indicated in my reply of 3 November 1999, no decision has been made on an initial public offering, IPO, for Aer Lingus. However, the Government mandated myself and the Minister for Finance to engage in a process with the board of Aer Lingus and appropriate social partners to address Aer Lingus's funding requirements and possible sources of funding, including an IPO, and to submit proposals to Government thereafter. The process is nearing completion and I expect to report to Government shortly in the matter.