Govt expected to make Aer Lingus decision this autumn

It is now expected that the Government will make a decision on the future of Aer Lingus in the next 10 weeks.

The Minister for Transport, Seamus Brennan, said that the first step is to decide whether or not to take in outside investment.

He is one of the five-strong cabinet subcommittee set up following the management buy-out proposal from Willie Walsh, the airline's chief executive, an option which Minister Brennan has not ruled out.

Trade unions are opposed to the proposal, which they fear will result in widespread job cuts.

The other members of the sub-committee are Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Tánaiste Mary Harney, Finance Minister Charlie Mc Creevy and Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue.