Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason he did not appoint the Government's two nominees to the Aer Lingus board of directors at the earliest date; and the date he will do so. [24423/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Immediately after the Aer Lingus IPO, Ryanair's attempted takeover bid was launched. Under the applicable law, the State representative on the board was excluded from board meetings at which the takeover was discussed. It would not have made any sense in such circumstances to have appointed all three State directors at that time. The circumstances are now different and it is appropriate to make those appointments. I hope to be in a position to make the appointments shortly.