Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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133. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the future ownership of Aer Lingus, with particular reference to the extent to which ongoing negotiations are under way, with a view to maximising the benefit to the country, keeping in mind the need to ensure reliability in the context of connectivity and the national interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9925/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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In my statement following the Cabinet briefing on 24 February I set out the Government’s position in the context of the proposals from IAG to make an offer for Aer Lingus.   

The position is that information and commitments that have been provided to date do not at present provide a basis on which the Government could give an irrevocable commitment to accept an offer to dispose of its shares, should one be made by IAG. In line with stated policy the Government remains open to considering any improved proposal which IAG may bring.  That consideration will be based on further clarity from IAG on the overall employment prospects, 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; longer term committments on Heathrow routes. 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.