Kenny: Government will discuss Ryanair bid next week

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said that the Government will give consideration next week to Ryanair's bid to take over Aer Lingus.

The airline - which currently holds a 29.8% stake - is offering to buy the former state carrier at €1.30 per share.

The Government owns 25% of Aer Lingus, which is trading on the ISEQ Index in Dublin today at just over €1 per share.

Mr Kenny said the matter will be discussed at next Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, but has raised concerns about what impact the sale would have on competition.

“You would have a situation in that event where a huge monopoly of control over access and exit from the country by air would be concerned.

“This was ruled on before by the EC and clearly the regulatory authorities there will have an interest in seeing what the offer contains.”