Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Cabinet will make its decisions in due course based on its consideration of the best time to proceed with a decision that would have important implications for the company. I am glad to note discussions are taking place with the Government, which obviously must reserve to itself the timing and content of any decisions it wishes to take, given that it is a matter of considerable importance to the company.

We have approached and seek to approach the matter in a spirit of partnership. However, we also approach it on the basis of ensuring that the window of opportunity that exists is not allowed to close, that the full value of any shareholding that is put on the market is attained and that we take the advice of our professional advisers. While I welcome the fact that people are engaging constructively on this matter the Government must reserve to itself the right to take a decision in its own time.

See this speech in context