Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 1

Written Answers. - State Bodies Flotation.

Billy Timmins

Question:

142 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the private companies, if any, assisting her in the preparation of the flotation of any State bodies; the way in which they were selected; the terms and conditions of the contracts and the payments involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3696/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I will answer other questions today relating to advisers for the Telecom Eireann IPO.

In so far as Aer Lingus is concerned, the Government has authorised the Minister for Finance and I to appoint appropriate advisers for the purposes of an initial public offering of shares in the airline. In this regard, a notice was placed in the main national newspapers and the Official Journal of the European Communities seeking tender proposals for the provision of advice and assistance concerning all aspects of the preparations, procedures and implementation in relation to arranging and executing an initial public offering of shares in Aer Lingus. The deadline for receipt of tender proposals was 12 noon on 21 January 2000. The tenders received by the deadline are being evaluated by a steering committee comprising officials from my Department and the Department of Finance. I expect to be advised as to the outcome of this process shortly.