Cabinet meet to discuss Aer Lingus crisis

At a cabinet meeting today Government ministers will be briefed by the Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O’Rourke, on the crisis at Aer Lingus.

Minister O’Rourke has warned that the national airline could be shut down within five months if changes are not made.

She warned that if state aid is to be provided it will not be to bail out the airline but as a part of a restructuring strategy.

She pointed out that the air carrier’s US competitors are receiving billions of dollars in support from the American Government, which places greater strain on Aer Lingus.

Tomorrow, the board of the airline will meet to discuss how they should respond to what Deputy O’Rourke has described as "an evolving situation".