Dáil debates

Wednesday, 11 October 2006

10:30 am

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The economy has been well served by having at least two domestic airlines providing complementary but different services to and from Ireland. It is due to the value of having more than one domestic airline that a two airline policy was developed in the early 1990s by giving Ryanair exclusive rights on certain routes and securing the future of that company. The Government is firmly of the view that Ireland's economic interests are best served by having as many airlines as possible competing vigorously and seeking to exploit all possible opportunities for new services. It wants a strong Aer Lingus and a strong Ryanair competing with each other.

When the Ryanair offer is formally made, it will be a matter for the board of directors of the company to evaluate the offer and express an opinion to shareholders. It has done so. The board of directors of the company is working with advisers to ensure the position of shareholders is fully protected. There is a question over whether jurisdiction for merger clearance rests with the European Commission or member states, including Ireland, and it is expected that jurisdiction will lie with the European Commission.

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