The Transport Minister says his "explicit objective" is to the do the right thing for Ireland when it comes any potential sale of Aer Lingus.
Paschal Donohoe will brief cabinet tomorrow on the latest bid from the owner of British Airways which values the former Irish flag carrier at more than €1.3bn.
Aer Lingus confirmed earlier that it had received the revised takeover bid from International Airlines Group (IAG). The latest offer values each Aer Lingus share at €2.55.
The all cash offer is for €2.50 a share and a cash dividend of 5 cents per share.
"The new proposal is subject to the recommendation of the board of Aer Lingus and "the receipt of irrevocable commitments from Ryanair Limited and the Minister for Finance of Ireland to accept the offer," the airline says.
It adds that the board is considering the offer.
Mr Donohoe said today that no decision has yet been made, and the issue will be discussed by Cabinet tomorrow:
Further developments on the future of Aer Lingus are expected in the coming days, but Mr Donohoe told Newstalk Lunchtime that he is viewing the offer with caution.
Stockbroker Mark Murnane told Newstalk Breakfast earlier the offer may have to go a bit higher to peak interest.
Yesterday, Fianna Fáil's transport spokesperson called on Mr Donohoe to intervene in any sale of the carrier.
Timmy Dooley said the minister should rule out any sale of the government stake in the airline to protect Irish strategic interests.
He said any such sale could see Aer Lingus' Heathrow slots siphoned off, risking future connectivity and jobs at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.
The Transport Minister says any protest outside his house - or the homes of any politicians - is unacceptable.
Aer Lingus pensioners are due to hold a protest outside his home in Drumcondra in Dublin tonight over changes to their defined benefit pensions scheme.
Paschal Donohoe says he will not bend to public pressure.
He added that the plans for a protest this evening go too far:
“Targeting the home of any politician is absolutely unacceptable. But it will not play any role at all in influencing any decision I make and I will not allow such behaviour to influence any such decision I make,” he said.
Minister Donohoe also said “there are a whole array of concerns already being articulated in relation to this potential bid” and he “will be evaluating all of these issues if and when the Aer Lingus board make their decision” on the potential bid from IAG for the carrier.
The union representing some staff at Aer Lingus has released a statement saying that it has written to the Transport Minister outlining concerns over the potential results of an International Airlines Group (IAG) takeover of the ariline.
IMPACT's national secretary, Matt Staunton warned Minister Paschal Donohoe that the selling of the company, "represents a significant risk to the security of employment for Irish workers employed directly or indirectly by Aer Lingus” - adding that as many as 1,200 jobs could be at risk.
Mr Staunton suggests that office roles, and maintenance work, could be done by IAG's existing staff in London and Madrid - replacing Aer Lingus workers. The union's statement says that these estimates have been confirmed by analysts in both Dublin and London.
The company currently employees 3,900 people with IMPACT representing its cabin crew, pilots and some ground staff.
Fianna Fáil's transport spokesperson Timmy Dooley has also raised concerns that an IAG takeover could threaten Irish jobs.
Minister Donohoe discussed the factors that the Government will take into account when considering a renewed offer for the airline in the Dáil last week. These related to Ireland's "connectivity" and the effect the sale would have on competition between airlines in Ireland, alongside the impact that it would have on regional airports - but made no mention of guarding against potential job losses.
Aer Lingus confirmed today that it received a revised takeover bid from IAG. The latest offer values each Aer Lingus share at €2.55.
Minister Donohoe will brief the Cabinet on the matter tomorrow.
