Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The decision on Aer Lingus yesterday clearly makes a difference as to how we will proceed with the matter. Last March, the Minister for Transport outlined in the House the course he would take if the Government decides to embark on a sale of all or part of Aer Lingus:

I will set out for the House, in accordance with the provisions of the Aer Lingus Act 2004, the general principles of the proposed sale as well as the basis for the Government's decision and the arguments for and against such a sale. I will also set out how the Government proposes to deal with the important strategic issues such as slots at Heathrow.

The point is that a legal framework already exists to enable outside equity or an external investment in the airline in the event of the Government embarking on a sale based on advice from advisers to be appointed.

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