Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not refuse to answer questions yesterday. I could not answer questions because the Government had not concluded its deliberations on what is a very important issue for the country. Also, no Minister briefed anybody or spoke to any media until after the Government made its decision, as would be right and proper. The Deputy may have intentions of leaking information before decisions are made, but as far as I am concerned government is about making decisions and then giving the reasons those decisions have been made. As I said in response to questions here yesterday, this is in the interest of the people and the country.

Aer Lingus is not owned by the Irish people and has not been for quite a number of years. They own 25.1% of it. Under this new proposal, Aer Lingus will be registered in Dublin and its brand image will continue as Aer Lingus. The personnel will work for Aer Lingus and that position will not change. Clearly, in future years, the Minister for Finance of the day will now have an influence that the Minister for Finance did not have last week and did not have up until this decision was made yesterday, in that he has a veto and control over both the disposal and use of slots for seven years.

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