Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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10. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is proposed to sell the Government stake in Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16773/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In 2012, the State's 25.1% shareholding in Aer Lingus was included among the assets to be considered for sale under the State Asset Disposal programme in the context of the EU/IMF support programme. The Government agreed  at that time that the stake would only be sold when market conditions were favourable and if acceptable terms and an acceptable price could be secured. However, circumstances favourable to a sale did not arise during the period of the EU/IMF programme. The State remains open to the sale of its shareholding when conditions are right and if the right price and terms can be agreed.

The Government continues to manage its shareholding actively, with the aim of maximising the value of the shareholding, securing dividends and encouraging new routes and additional capacity where commercially viable. The State's shareholding in Aer Lingus has returned dividends totalling of €9.38m to the Exchequer since 2011 and a further €5.36m is due to be paid on 30th May this year in respect of 2013.