Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Irish Takeover Panel has deemed that Aer Lingus is now in an offer period. The panel's rules in regard to communications apply to all parties during this offer period. All parties, including the Government as a shareholder, must apply the highest standards of care to any statements we make on the matter. Specifically, shareholders must take care in any of their communications to avoid revealing any information that could potentially impact, either positively or negatively, on the Aer Lingus share price. We are a minority shareholder but other shareholders have rights. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has clearly said that we are a minority shareholder, and there are other shareholders.

IAG is entitled to make a bid. That bid is being evaluated and we will make a determination on the Government's shareholding in the best interests of the workers, the State, connectivity and all the matters that have been laid out in such detail by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. The Deputy can be assured that the most careful consideration will be made of these matters before any decision is brought to Government.

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