Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 860: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has fulfilled his commitment to review the holding company concept proposed by ICTU as a solution to Aer Lingus ownership; the outcome of that review. [1263/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I have not entered into any commitment in the terms suggested by the Deputy. The decision to dispose of a majority shareholding in Aer Lingus was made following detailed and comprehensive consideration of the issue by my Government colleagues and me. In accordance with the terms of Sustaining Progress, I engaged with the trade unions on the issue early in 2005 before the Government finalised its consideration of the matter. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions made a proposal for a State-owned holding company which would become the vehicle for State ownership of and investment in commercial State companies. In advance of the Government finalising its consideration on the future of Aer Lingus, I understand that the many issues and concerns which would arise from ICTU's proposal were conveyed in detail to ICTU by the Department of the Taoiseach.