Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I will say a few words about the Aer Lingus IPO and the Ryanair bid. The Aer Lingus IPO was priced at €2.20 per share and conditional dealings commenced on 27 September. Admission to the stock exchange and unconditional dealing commenced on 2 October and without any notice other than some phone calls this morning, Ryanair announced a take-over bid. The bid price is €2.80 per share. The offer by Ryanair was announced a couple of hours ago and we were only informed at that time. It clearly raises fundamental questions with regard to aviation policy and regulation issues, as Deputy Kenny noted, and these questions will have to be carefully examined. The Government remains fully committed to competition in aviation markets and will not be selling its shares in Aer Lingus.

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