The Minister for Transport has said the Government must await a formal offer from Ryanair to Aer Lingus for the acquisition of its share capital, before it can respond.
Leo Varadkar told the Dáil that Ryanair must submit an offer by July 17 to the board of Aer Lingus.
He said that after a response from Aer Lingus on the matter, the Government will then be in a position to make a statement.
He said the Government will take into consideration when considering selling its share what is best for passengers, what is best for the taxpayer in terms of the price they get, what is best for the economy in terms of competitiveness and the views of the regulatory authorities to any bid.
Minister Varadkar also said that continued access to London's Heathrow will be considered when looking at any offer.
Earlier, International Airlines Group (IAG) chief executive Willie Walsh said he was not interested in acquiring Aer Lingus, or the Government's 25% stake in the airline.
He also said there was probably "some merit" to Ryanair's argument that it should now be allowed to acquire Aer Lingus.
He said the Government will take into consideration when considering selling its share what is best for passengers, what is best for the taxpayer in terms of the price they get, what is best for the economy in terms of competitiveness and the views of the regulatory authorities to any bid.
Minister Varadkar also said that continued access to London's Heathrow will be considered when looking at any offer.
Earlier, International Airlines Group (IAG) chief executive Willie Walsh said he was not interested in acquiring Aer Lingus, or the Government's 25% stake in the airline.
He also said there was probably "some merit" to Ryanair's argument that it should now be allowed to acquire Aer Lingus.
