Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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135. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on meetings he has had with Aer Lingus stake holders, regarding the sale of the State's shares in the airline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9973/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Firstly it is important to point out that  IAG has made a proposal to make an offer only and no formal offer has yet been made for Aer Lingus.

I have not had meetings with Aer Lingus stakeholders but I have paid particular attention to the views expressed by stakeholders during sessions of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications.

In my recent statement I have clearly set out the Government's position  on the matter which is that the current IAG proposal does not at present provide a basis on which the Government could provide an irrevocable commitment to accept an offer. I have also pointed out that, in line with stated policy, the Government remains open to considering any improved proposal which IAG may bring to the Steering group and I have outlined the basis on which further consideration of any such proposals would be undertaken. 

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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136. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with Aer Lingus workers' representatives, to discuss the possible sale of the State's shares in the airline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9980/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Firstly it is important to point out that  IAG has made a proposal to make an offer only and no formal offer has yet been made for Aer Lingus.

As I indicated on 24 February, the information and commitments 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. The Government remains open to considering any improved proposal that IAG may present and I have set out the basis on which any further consideration of IAG proposals would be undertaken. This specifically includes clarity on the overall employment prospects. It also includes route development, the Heathrow slots and the nature and acceptability of oversight measures.  I have not had any meetings with Aer Lingus workers representatives.  I have paid particular attention  to the to the views expressed during sessions of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport.