Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On our choice of adviser, we are being advised on this issue by private sector companies, the names of which are on the public record. The interdepartmental group includes representatives of the various Departments affected by this issue, including the Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and is chaired by an official from my Department. I am confident that we have achieved the right mix of private and public sector representation on the group. The entities we have appointed in an advisory role are genuinely independent and able to offer expertise in this area. I have seen evidence of this in my personal engagement with the group.

Deputy Costello proposed that committees take a role in this matter. The Joint Committee on Transport and Communications has concluded several days of hearings on the proposed sale of Aer Lingus. I have been made aware of the points made by the various groups which appeared before the committee.

I am a former member of the Committee of Public Accounts, of which Deputy Costello is a current member. The role the committee plays in respect of any matter is very much a decision for its members based on the structure of their work plan. I recall, however, that the work of the Committee of Public Accounts must be related to the work of the Comptroller and Auditor General. This is the stricture within which the committee operates, as Deputy Costello will be aware. The Joint Committee on Transport and Communications is playing an active role in this matter.

As to the Deputy's suggestion that an Oireachtas committee act as an adviser to me on this issue, I am receiving extensive advice on this matter from many corners. Given the nature of aviation, professional advice and expertise is required in a number of areas. We have procured such advice.

On the role of Mr. Willie Walsh, the legislation on the National Treasury Management Agency is clear on the separation that must apply in respect of the work of any individual who chairs the body and other interests he or she may have. I am fully confident that NewERA, which is part of the advisory group being chaired by my Department, is performing its work in an impartial and professional manner that would meet any standards sought by the Deputy or anybody else.

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