Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Transport the scale, scope and extent of discussions he, his Department or other Government Departments or representatives thereof have had with companies (details supplied) in the context of the recent takeover bid for Aer Lingus; if an improved or enhanced offer or offers in respect of Government shareholdings has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46397/08]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Transport if he or his officials have held discussions with Aer Lingus regarding a Shannon/Heathrow service in view of the strategic importance of this route for the mid west region; if he will report on these discussions; if his attention has been drawn to plans to reinstate the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47110/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Transport his preferred options for the future development of air passenger transport to and from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47226/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with management or agents of a company (details supplied) in the context of speculation on the future of Aer Lingus; if the reinstatement of Aer Lingus flights from Shannon is part of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47227/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of meetings or contacts he has had with representatives of airlines in the context of the future development and structure of Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47228/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Transport the number and nature of meetings he has had with persons, groups, bodies or agencies involved in a possible takeover or purchase of share options in Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47229/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 288 and 295 to 298, inclusive, together.

I refer the Deputies to my response to a priority PQ answered today, Dáil Question No. 60.

On 3 December, I accepted a request from the CEO of Ryanair, as a courtesy, for an informal meeting at which the CEO outlined, in general terms, the main features of their proposed cash offer for all shares in Aer Lingus.

On 11 December I agreed to meet with the CEO and Chairman of Aer Lingus who wished to convey to me their opposition to the Ryanair offer.

I did not indicate to either Ryanair or Aer Lingus any policy position in relation to the proposed takeover. The Deputy will be aware that both companies made public statements following the meetings.

As regards the reinstatement of the Aer Lingus Shannon Heathrow service I have taken every opportunity I could since August of last year to make it clear to Aer Lingus Management and Board Members with whom I had contact to stress the importance Government attaches to the resumption of a Shannon Heathrow service. I will continue to do so in the future.