The re-deployment of Heathrow slots by Aer Lingus and the withdrawal of the Shannon-Heathrow service with effect from January 2008 was a commercial decision made by the executive management team in the Company. I understand the decision was taken on foot of a mandate from the Board of the Company to examine and develop commercial opportunities, in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company.
There is legal advice to the effect that, having regard to the duties of the Board of Directors pursuant to the Companies Acts and the Memorandum and Articles Of Association of Aer Lingus, shareholders do not have the power to overrule management decisions on business matters.
As a result of this advice the Government believes it would be inappropriate to intervene in the decision-making of a private company. To do so would ultimately be damaging both to the Company and its customers. The Government will continue to assist and support efforts to restore connectivity between Shannon and London Heathrow.