Ownership of Aer Lingus and Irish airports of 'preeminent consideration' for Irish government

Ireland's Minister for Tourism, Transport and Sport Paschal Donahue, speaking at CAPA's Airlines in Transition Conference on 25/26-Mar-2015, stated (25-Mar-2015) the Irish Government's consideration as to how its ownership in Aer Lingus and Irish airports secures connectivity and access for the country is of "preeminent consideration" for the government. Liberalisation has been something that has been of great benefit to the Irish economy, providing a more varied sector, broader access to travel and lower fares. There needs to be a "strong regulatory framework" under which such liberalisation and innovation occurs. Ireland will continue to support the European opens skies policy and its framework, as something that allows Irish and European aviation to prosper and greater access to the country. The Irish Government welcomed the European Commission's announcement of a new industry consultation on the open skies policy.