Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

For the last four years the Government has classified the State's shareholding in Aer Lingus as being non-strategic and as suitable for sale, based on a matter of timing. In recent days the Taoiseach appears to have had some divine inspiration and he is now concerned about the potential for a loss in connectivity and an impact on jobs in the State resulting from the potential sale of Aer Lingus. Clearly, the Government's policy position up to now has encouraged the IAG bid and others. Clearly also there has been a change of heart and the stakeholding is now seen to be of strategic benefit. Will the Minister outline to the House how or when that change of heart came about?

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