Harney rejects 'dithering' claim on Aer Lingus

The Tánaiste has rejected Fine Gael claims the Government is unable to take a decision on the future of Aer Lingus.

Speaking in the Dáil, after the publication of the long-awaited Goldman Sachs report by the Minister for Transport last night, Ms Harney said: "We received this report six weeks ago."

"It is natural, given the nature of the decision involved, that we should consider all of the implications of that decision and the Government has indicated that it will make a decision in relation to an investment option for Aer Lingus before Christmas," she added.

Ms Harney was taking questions from Opposition parties in the absence of the Taoiseach, who is in London.

Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny said the government had "dithered" over the future of Aer Lingus "with the result that €200 million has been wiped off its value...the executive team has gone, and you've left the company now in a state of suspended paralysis for the foreseeable future."

Ms Harney rejected an assertion by Mr Kenny that the "Fianna Fáil wing of the Government has completely dominated this debate and has been unable to make a decision in respect of the future of the company."

"What is clear from the report is that Aer Lingus needs investment, and the report urges private investment and that's a view I share," the Tánaiste said.

"I do not accept there has been any delay on the part of the Government," she added.

Ms Harney said consensus was emerging among the cabinet subcommittee and that the Minister for Transport, Mr Cullen, would be bringing a memorandum to Government between now and Christmas.

The report, the contents of which were previously disclosed in The Irish Times,said the status quo was not sustainable in Aer Lingus as Government policy was that exchequer funds would not be provided to meet the airline's needs.

It suggested a flotation (IPO) of Aer Lingus would be the most feasible way for the airline to raise capital. However, it suggests the Government retain a substantial minority stake. This could take the form of a "golden share", where the Government would be able to block a takeover of the company, it suggests.