asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if the Government will be required to give any financial assistance or guarantees to Aer Lingus for the replacement of their fleet; if not, the way in which the cost will be financed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aer Lingus Replacement Fleet.
17.
Aer Lingus' proposals for replacement of their European fleet submitted to Government to date have been approved on the basis that the expenditure involved will be financed by the airline, through a combination of their resources and borrowing, without recourse to the Government for equity or State guarantees of borrowing. The question of replacement of the North Atlantic fleet will not arise until the mid-nineties. I should inform the Deputy, however, that in the meantime Aer Lingus are proposing, subject to Government approval, to lease two Boeing 767 aircraft to augment their existing capacity on the North Atlantic, again without recourse to the Government for equity or State guarantees.
That disposes of questions for today.
On a point of order, Sir, may I ask that Question No. 14 be deferred? I do not want to receive a written reply. I should prefer that the question be deferred.
I will consider that aspect of the matter.