The Minister for Transport has said the Government remains open to considering any improved proposals from IAG on the sale of Aer Lingus.
Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Paschal Donohoe said the Government's inter-departmental steering group held a meeting last week with representatives from IAG at their request, and further meetings are expected to be held.
Fianna Fáil’s Timmy Dooley asked what assurances are being sought by the Government and expressed concern that, if IAG breaches any contract entered into with the State, the only possible remedy would be financial compensation.
He said the lack of access to Heathrow Airport could not be compensated for financially.
Mr Donohoe said "we've always made it clear that the way we would evaluate any proposed bid is looking beyond the price of a share"
He said "access is vital in such a consideration".
The minister said any further consideration will be based on having greater clarity from IAG on the overall employment prospects, firm commitments on plans for growing Aer Lingus' transatlantic business and plans to grow Aer Lingus routes at Cork, Shannon and the Knock-Gatwick service.
