The Irish government has stated that it needs more reassurances on jobs and growth prospects for Aer Lingus before it can consider selling its 25% stake in the airline to IAG.
The Irish government requires more detail on IAG's planned expansion of Aer Lingus transatlantic routes and guarantees on connections between Ireland and Heathrow for longer than the five years currently offered.
In a statement, Paschal Donohoe, the Irish transport minister, stated that the government cannot give an irrevocable commitment to the offer as it stands based on the supporting information provided. He added, however, that the government was "open to considering any imporved proposal from IAG".
IAG CEO Willie Walsh has stated in the past that IAG's commitment to ensuring Aer Lingus can use its slots at Heathrow for flights to Ireland could not be extende by the five-year guarantee already offered. IAG said that it would consider the government's statement.