Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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567. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the sale of Aer Lingus regarding the cast iron guarantee in respect of connectivity for airports here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6607/15]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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569. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to protect the public interest in the face of the latest bid by the International Airlines Group. [4699/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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605. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to examine the situation in regard to the future ownership of Aer Lingus; if he remains satisfied that any decision will have due regard to the best interests of the country, company and future passengers; if all shareholders are being consulted, without exception, in the context of any plans or future proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10518/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 567, 569 and 605 together.

Aer Lingus is in an 'offer period' under the Irish Takeover Rules, although a formal offer has not been made by IAG. On this basis I am constrained in what I can say publicly on the matter.

Having briefed my Government colleagues on the matter on 24 February last, I issued a statement clarifying the Government’s position on the matter. 

While acknowledging the details and clarifications which both IAG and Aer Lingus have offered since IAG announced its initial proposal to acquire Aer Lingus, it is the Government's view that the IAG proposal does not at present provide a basis on which we could provide an irrevocable commitment to accept an offer.

However, the Government remains open to considering any improved proposal. The Government’s Inter Departmental Steering Group held a further meeting with IAG representatives last week and further meetings are expected. 

Further consideration of the IAG proposals will be based on having greater clarity from IAG on the overall employment prospects on the basis of the proposals received, with particular reference to the timeframe within which net additional employment would be created; firm commitments on plans for growing Aer Lingus’s transatlantic business and plans to grow Aer Lingus’ routes at Cork, Shannon and enhance the Knock-Gatwick service. The Government also requires a longer period on the commitments related to Heathrow. The nature and acceptability of oversight measures on the Heathrow slots and routes needs to be confirmed. These would also be subject to any EU considerations.