The Minister for Transport says it is up to Ryanair to decide whether or not they will sell their €400 million Aer Lingus stake.
It is a decision by the Irish flag carrier's other major shareholder, Ryanair, that could seal or break the Government's deal with International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG).
Paschal Donohoe said on Friday, Ryanair had commercial interests to advance in relation to their 29.8 per cent stake.
“What Ryanair do with their stake is a matter for them,” he said.
His comments come the day after the Dáil’s vote to approve the sale of the Government 25 per cent stake to IAG in a deal worth almost €1.4 billion.
Following a two-day debate, the motion was passed by 74 votes to 51.
Labour TD Michael McNamara was the only Coalition deputy to vote against the motion to go ahead with the sale.
Mr McNamara said he had outstanding issues with the deal.
“I don’t have confidence in the guarantees, at the moment as they stand,” he said before the vote.
Ryanair has said it would consider any offer it received on its merits.
IAG is preparing a formal submission to the EU competition authority to get approval on its bid.
