Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

It is disappointing that we are even considering the sale of Aer Lingus, which has been a flagship for this country for so many years. If we were to sell it at today's price of 97 cent per share, it would bring in approximately €160 million. In terms of a cost-benefit analysis, I do not know whether we would get value from selling it off given the effect on tourism, the jobs we have lost and the accessibility of Aer Lingus for people here, on the Continent and elsewhere .

We know the Minister has been in talks with other companies. At one stage, Ryanair said it was interested and Etihad Airways has also shown some interest. Is there any truth in the rumours that some of these companies are pitching for Aer Lingus? It has been mentioned in the Sunday Business Post that approaches were made. The Minister may be keeping tight-lipped about the matter but I would be interested to know. I do not believe it is in our interest to sell Aer Lingus.

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