The Taoiseach says he expects the Government will make a decision this evening on the sale of the State's 25% shareholding in Aer Lingus.

The Cabinet discussed a report from an expert panel this morning, but ran out of time and are to reconvene this evening.

Sources say Labour Ministers are now in favour of accepting the revised offer from IAG, believing that the concerns of several of the party's back-benchers have now been addressed.

Enda Kenny told the Dáil that a decision would be made this evening, but refused to be drawn on what that decision would be

In response to a query from Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, Mr Kenny said: "I don’t go round making comments when government haven’t signed off formally or properly on decisions before them.

"I expect, Deputy Martin, that the government will conclude its deliberations on this this evening, and as I say any decision made will be in the best interests of our country and our people," he added.

Ministers discussed an expert panel report into the offer from IAG at their meeting this morning.

Earlier Taoiseach Enda Kenny confirmed that the potential sale of Aer Lingus was on the Cabinet agenda today.

Mr Kenny said the transport minister will present the findings of an expert group, set up to advise the government on the €1.4bn offer from IAG.

It is reported that the report is 'strongly supportive' of the bid - and it comes after the European Commission raised no objections to the takeover.

IMPACT national secretary Matt Staunton has held a meeting with the transport minister - asking him to oppose the sale.

Mr Staunton told Newstalk Breakfast earlier they still do not have security over existing jobs, and they will not rule out industrial action over the sale.

Meanwhile, Ryanair says it has not received any formal offer from IAG for its own 30% stake in Aer Lingus.

Chief marketing officer, Kenny Jacobs, says any such bid will be "considered".