Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mooney referred to women in government. I assure him that there are more women in this Government than was the case with any previous Administration. The Senator also asked that we clarify the Government's decision in respect of Aer Lingus. The Minister noted the confirmation by the board of Aer Lingus that it received a preliminary proposal from the International Consolidated Airlines Group and that it had rejected this on the basis that it fundamentally undervalues the company. This is a matter for the board, in the first instance, and the Minister notes its advice to shareholders to take no action. The Government has publicly indicated that it remains open to the sale of its minority shareholding in Aer Lingus but only when market conditions are favourable and on terms and at a price that are acceptable to it.