Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I am surprised to hear the question about what the rush was because the Government and I were accused constantly of delaying decisions on Aer Lingus. People want it every way.

I do not agree with the suppositions of Deputies Eamon Ryan and Crowe. I should have responded earlier. The process involved will be lengthy and the regulatory and legal situation will not unfold during the coming days. A reasonable amount of time will be afforded the different requisite bodies to make their assessments and engage in processes. Ryanair will not make a formal offer for the company for at least two weeks.

On the decision to sell Aer Lingus, the business case that was put forward and the potential for which workers and management had worked over the past number of years could only be achieved by the strategic decision that was taken to sell a majority stake in the company.

Many of us around here must grow up. We do not operate in a bubble but in difficult markets at times, and the aviation sector is one such market. I and the Government remain confident about the future of Aer Lingus.

On the earlier question, I agree that the generally held view was that Ryanair did not appear to have an interest in Aer Lingus, but there you are.

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