Vol. 563 No. 1
173 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport the Government's proposals for the future of Aer Lingus, especially having regard to its stra tegic importance for the tourism industry; the discussions he has had with the management or the trade unions regarding the future of the airline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7112/03]
I indicated to the House in my replies to Parliamentary Question No. 95, reference No. 23457/02, on 26 November 2002, and again on 5 February 2003, Parliamentary Question No. 156, reference No. 2749/03, that I met the board of Aer Lingus on 31 October 2002. I also outlined my remarks to the board at that meeting.
In particular, I stated that as the company moves into a new phase and as agreement has been reached with the unions on the summary terms of a proposed new employee share ownership plan, the time was approaching to assess the future options for the airline taking account of the previous Government's decision to facilitate private sector and staff investment in the airline provided the survival plan was fully implemented.
Since that meeting further progress has been made in relation to the ESOP with the summary terms now in the process of being signed by all parties.
It will be necessary to enact primary legislation to provide the legal basis for the ESOP. I propose to introduce an Aer Lingus Bill to provide for its establishment in the near future.
