Irish Transport Minister: Government to reach decision on Aer Lingus stake 'in the coming weeks'

Ireland's Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe stated (16-Apr-2015) the government expects to reach a decision on the potential sale of its 25.11% stake in Aer Lingus to International Airlines Group (IAG) "in the coming weeks." Mr Donohoe said: "I can confirm that over recent weeks the Government's Inter-Departmental Steering Group and its advisers have had further engagement with International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) in relation to its proposal to make an offer for Aer Lingus. That engagement has centred on the considerations set out in my statement of 24th February." Mr Donohoe added: "There has been useful engagement on the issues by both sides. IAG has provided further details on the issues of concern to Government that were highlighted in my statement. Discussions are progressing and as I have indicated previously I do not want this process to be drawn out unnecessarily and I expect that it can be brought to a conclusion in the coming weeks." [more - original PR]