Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Government will consider the definitive list of State assets to be disposed of and, in that regard, we are interested in getting the very best price for any of those assets, at the right time, in the appropriate way and in the best interests of the people and the country. It is not a case of the Government reacting to the bid last night and saying we will now put our 25% share up for sale this week to see if we can get a better price. The entire area must be considered in terms of its regulatory, competitive and economic value. The Government will make its own decision in due course on the matter.

I take Deputy Ross's point that there are other players and there may well be interest expressed by others in making offers. I do not speak for Michael O'Leary or Ryanair. Business sometimes operates in peculiar ways.

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