Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to ask the Taoiseach about the IAG offer to purchase Aer Lingus, the Government's attitude to that offer and also its policy and strategy with regard to the future of Aer Lingus, which is an issue of fundamental concern to many people throughout the country and to anyone with an interest in Ireland's economic development. There is a concern about the country's connectivity to the wider world and in particular the very valuable Heathrow slots which Aer Lingus has. There is a concern that if such a sale were to go ahead, the very valuable international global connectivity might ultimately be fatally undermined.

There are also very serious concerns about the employment implications of such a sale. Going on previous experience, up to 1,200 jobs could be lost in Aer Lingus if the sale were to go ahead. This is a matter of concern not just for the trade unions but also for the families and workers in Aer Lingus. There is also a concern about the wider knock-on effect on the domestic economy.

There are implications for regional policy. I refer to the impact that such a sale would have on Cork, Shannon and Knock airports. Shannon Airport has three flights a day to London and Cork Airport has four daily flights to London. These connections are of some significance to those airports and, more critically, to the hinterland and the regions supported by the airports in terms of tourism, in economic terms and in support of foreign direct investment. There is a need for multinational companies and Irish small and medium enterprises to have that kind of connectivity and access to Heathrow via the regional airports.

The Dublin-London route is the third busiest in the world and the busiest in Europe. This route has grown significantly and is of some considerable importance. Some time ago the Government formed a subgroup which included the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform and NewERA.

We heard a lot about NewERA during the Irish Water debacle. The job of this group, under the chairmanship of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, was to examine the disposal of State assets and this particular issue. I understand the Minister stated economic, legal and strategic aviation advisers have been appointed. Has the Government made a decision on the offer? Has the Minister recommended that the Government sell its 25% stake or has he recommended against the sale of the 25% stake? The Government should reject the offer and should strategically hold on to the 25% shareholding. Will the Taoiseach outline to the House who are the advisers appointed by the Government? This should be public knowledge. I have not picked up this information and perhaps the Taoiseach will announce it. What decision has the Government made and what recommendation did the Minister make to the Cabinet this morning?

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