Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The State owns a minority of the shares in Aer Lingus. I am afraid the decision concerning a majority of the shares being disposed of by the State was made many years ago, so we do not control the bulk of the shares. We have to consider that another sizeable shareholding may come onto the market shortly, depending on the outcome of legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. We must have regard to ensuring that there is a sustainable future for Aer Lingus. As I said, however, we have no control over 75% of the shares.

To deal with the Deputy's specific point on jobs, I have listed the priorities the Government has indicated will be critical to meet in any decision we make. Jobs will absolutely be a part of that.

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