Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
136. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with Aer Lingus workers' representatives, to discuss the possible sale of the State's shares in the airline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9980/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly it is important to point out that IAG has made a proposal to make an offer only and no formal offer has yet been made for Aer Lingus.
As I indicated on 24 February, the information and commitments provided to date do not at present provide a basis on which the Government could give an irrevocable commitment to accept an offer to dispose of its shares, should one be made by IAG. The Government remains open to considering any improved proposal that IAG may present and I have set out the basis on which any further consideration of IAG proposals would be undertaken. This specifically includes clarity on the overall employment prospects. It also includes route development, the Heathrow slots and the nature and acceptability of oversight measures. I have not had any meetings with Aer Lingus workers representatives. I have paid particular attention to the to the views expressed during sessions of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport.
