Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

As I indicated at the outset, I must be careful in what I say until such time as the Government makes a final decision on the issue. To try to be helpful to the Deputy, I repeat that it is Irish aviation policy to have maximum connectivity and competition. We have pursued a two-airline policy for many years, in the sense that we believe two airlines is the minimum number that should fly in and out of Ireland. We have more than that and we would want to see more than that, but in the context of that particular aviation policy I will present to Government when I know the full facts of the offer, and when I have the full response from Aer Lingus, which is due to be made on 29 December. At that stage I will make my recommendation to Government on the shareholding we have. I will take into account the matters the Deputy legitimately and correctly raised, namely, whether the offer is good value for taxpayers and whether it will enhance or hinder competition.

I have explained the specific details regarding the directors to the Deputy. The directors of the Aer Lingus board have already made their views on the offer known, but they have to make a formal response to it. The directors must have regard to the general aviation policies of the Government, but they must also ensure their fiduciary responsibilities are fully met. I cannot dictate to them how they should act but I can point out what is Government policy at the time. I will not make a decision on the matter until, first, I have seen the offer, which I have now seen and that is being examined, and second, Aer Lingus has made a full response to the offer.

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