Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Government has looked in detail over the past six months at the question of a definitive list of State assets that can be disposed of from a regulatory point of view, a competitive point of view and an economic point of view. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister for Finance, on behalf of the Government, have been involved in intense discussions and assessments regarding these issues.

This bid came in yesterday evening and, as we meet, I understand the European Commission, which has a specific responsibility in respect of competition and regulation, is meeting on it. When Deputy Martin asks the Government's position, the position is that the Government will publish its own definitive list of State assets for disposal. We have made it perfectly clear that in respect of each and every one of those, they would only be disposed of in accordance with best principles in the interests of the country and the people at the right time and at the appropriate price.

There may be other elements to an agenda in respect of this bid but I am concerned, as we would be, given this is an island, that the only access to here is by ferry or by air. Ryanair has done much good during the years in providing competition to ensure lower air fares for hundreds of millions of passengers, but clearly there are implications if there is a monopoly for the benefits of good competition for consumers in terms of air fares. Access by air to Ireland is important in terms of the way business is conducted. Therefore, from that point of view, these are fundamental matters to the economy. The Government will consider the bid, but we do not have a blocking mechanism or a veto.

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