Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am not sure whether the Taoiseach will be here tomorrow morning. We have had some political rows about political issues in recent weeks. As the Head of Government, the Taoiseach will join the Tánaiste in travelling to Scotland tomorrow to attend an important series of meetings aimed at bringing the parties together to reach agreement on the restoration of the Stormont Assembly and the fulfilment of the Good Friday Agreement. We support strongly the efforts which the Taoiseach will make at the meetings in Scotland. Our good wishes are not only with him, as the Irish Prime Minister, but also with the British Prime Minister during what will be his last major attempt to sort this out. I hope the parties will understand the importance of the occasion and act accordingly. I hope further conclusions will be reached by Friday in order that the Assembly can restart. I wanted to say that now because the Taoiseach will not be here tomorrow morning.

I would like to comment on the extraordinary circumstances which have followed the Government's decision to float Aer Lingus. I refer to the serious bid made for the acquisition of the airline. Will time be allocated next week for a discussion in the House? Will Members be able to express their views on the situation as it has evolved to date and will evolve over the weekend?

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