Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2006
64 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Transport his proposal to facilitate the retention of the landing slots at Heathrow Airport by Aer Lingus into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9104/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government in its decision of 18 May 2005 agreed to the State disposing of a majority shareholding in Aer Lingus and retaining a stake of at least 25% to protect strategic interests provided that both myself and the Minister for Finance are satisfied that this level of disposal is warranted on foot of the analysis prepared by the Departments' advisers for the transaction. The advisers appointed to recommend the most appropriate transaction mechanism and advise on the size and timing of a transaction submitted their report before the end of last year. The key conclusions and recommendations are currently being considered by myself and the Minister for Finance.
The advisers in their report considered the possible need for any measures going beyond the retention of a 25% shareholding to protect strategic interests. In the case of landing slots at Heathrow Airport, the advisers suggest that some additional measures may be desirable to ensure that the slots at Heathrow remain available for the provision of a reasonable level of services to and from Ireland. I am considering this recommendation in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
