Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Could the Minister outline to the House the current status of the discussions between the Department and the interest group that was set up to involve itself in dialogue with IAG on the notion of the purchase of the State's shareholding in Aer Lingus? Along the way, the Taoiseach mentioned that he was interested in seeing specialised or "cast-iron" guarantees in relation to the sale around issues such as employment and connectivity. Could the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, outline also the nature and character of the assurances that were sought as part of those discussions with IAG?

See this speech in context