A group which has drawn up a report advising the government on the sale of Aer Lingus has come out in support of the deal.
Ministers have discussed the 1.3 billion euro offer today, amid mounting speculation that it could be accepted as soon as today.
Ministers discussed IAG's offer for Aer Lingus at their weekly cabinet meeting today, after the Transport Minister received a report from an expert group set up to examine the potential deal.
Its report is said to be 'strongly supportive' of the sale of the 25 per cent shareholding to IAG, and says the price being offered is a fair one.
Concerns had been raised about the deal, and IAG has sought to address these by making stronger commitments on the future of the Heathrow slots, as well as jobs and its plans for Shannon and Cork Airports.
Shannon Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy is hopeful these will be enough to make the deal good for Shannon and Ireland.
For some, however, concerns remain. Clare Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley isn't convinced that any IAG commitments could be secured.
Trade Unions are also worried, and IMPACT has warned they could embark on industrial action if the terms of employment are not satisfied.
Another hurdle would also have to cleared at Leinster House, where TDs would have their say.
A number of Labour TDs have sought re-assurances before now, including backbencher Joe Costello who says the future of airports like Cork and Shannon also needs to be taken into account before any deal can go ahead.
