The Taoiseach has confirmed that the potential sale of Aer Lingus will be discussed at Cabinet this morning.
Enda Kenny says the Transport Minister will present the findings of an expert group – set up to advise the Government on IAG's €1.4 billion offer.
It's reported that the document is 'strongly supportive' of the bid – and it comes after the European Commission raised no objections to the takeover.
IAG is understood to have made new commitments to address concerns on the future of Heathrow slots, Cork and Shannon airports, jobs, new routes, and the retention of the Aer Lingus brand.
However, it’s not clear if these will win over a number of Labour TDs and the unions – who until now have been strongly against the sale.
Meanwhile, Ryanair, which has a 30 per cent share holding in Aer Lingus, has announced net profit of €867 million for 2014.
It's a rise of 66% and is ahead of expectations.
Traffic was up 11%, to 90.6 million passengers.
