Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will respond to the following query regarding Ryanair's bid for Aer Lingus (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44661/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Under Irish Takeover Panels rules, Ryanair's recent takeover Offer for Aer Lingus has lapsed and is no longer capable of completion following the European Commission's decision to undertake an in-depth examination (a Phase II examination) of the offer under EU merger control rules.

The Commission announced its decision to undertake an in-depth examination of the Offer on 29th August as  its initial Phase I examination indicated potential competition concerns.   As a Phase II examination was announced before the closing date for the Offer, the Offer automatically lapsed under Irish Takeover Panel Rules and cannot now be completed.  The preliminary date for a Decision by the EU Commission for completion of its Phase II examination is 14 January 2013.