Minister believes Aer Lingus deal is 'imminent'

The Transport Minister says he believes an EU decision on IAG's takeover bid for Aer Lingus is 'imminent'.

It's after reports this morning that regulators were on the verge of giving the 1-point-4 billion euro takeover their approval - after IAG made a number of concessions aimed at relieving competition concerns.

Aer Lingus's future will be decided at its EGM next Thursday - at which Ryanair says it will give the takeover its backing.

Minister Paschal Donohoe has welcomed Ryanair's decision - and says the EU's final say on the move is 'imminent'.

"We will await what the European Commission will decide in relation to how they will look to grow competition, and how they will look to make sure that an environment is in place for the best thing for the passenger," said the Minister.

"I believe those decisions are imminent, and I'll respond back to those decisions when they're made and when they are public."