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

Since then a significant change took place to the benefit of the airline, as it turned around from being in a perilous position to being a very successful airline which has added significantly to our connectivity and to overall economic performance. The Taoiseach stated the Minister made no recommendation and that the Government has made no decision. Clearly the Government is not ruling out a sale to IAG. This is a fair conclusion to be drawn from the Taoiseach's remarks. Is he not persuaded by the strategic considerations, in particular the destiny and future of the Heathrow slots? Does he accept one cannot in any realistic way ring fence the slots if a sale goes ahead? Will he confirm the Government is actively considering a sale given the answer he has just provided? Otherwise it would have been ruled out at this stage.

This morning, I read in the Irish Independentthat the Minister had appointed the advisers. I take it from what the Taoiseach stated the Minister has not appointed advisers in recent days. Will the Taoiseach clarify this?

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