REPORTS THIS MORNING have indicated that the State’s stake in Aer Lingus is one of the assets earmarked for sale to raise revenue as part of the EU/IMF bailout agreement.

According to the Irish Times, the 25 per cent share in Aer Lingus – valued at less than €100 million – has been included in a list of recommended assets for sale by an interdepartmental group established by the government.

The group’s report will be discussed with Troika officials while they are in Dublin this week for the fifth review of the government’s adherence to the rescue package deal.

Opposition parties have raised concerns about the level of disposals proposed. The Programme for Government outlines a commitment to raise €2 billion through the sale of assets, which could include Dublin Port, Coillte and Bord Gáis, as well as a minority stake in ESB which has already been agreed upon.

There is also a worry that if Aer Lingus is sold, there could be a threat to the airline’s valuable Heathrow slots in London.

So, what do you think? Should the State sell its stake in Aer Lingus?