Ministers have been discussing whether to sell off the state's shares in Aer Lingus.

The airline's directors have recommended a takeover bid from IAG, the parent company of British Airways, worth over €1.3 billion.

But the approval of both the government and Ryanair in order to ensure the deal, as between them they own 55 per cent of the airline.

The government's 25.1 per cent stake in the airline would be worth around €340 million if the deal is accepted.

But politicians - across the benches in Leinster House - are worried that the sale could damage tourism and business outside of Dublin.

In particular there are concerns about the future of Aer Lingus's routes to Shannon and Cork, and the future of its most valuable asset - its 'slots' for landing at London Heathrow airport.

There are also concerns about whether the new owners are prepared to take on the issues surrounding the pension fund that the airline shares with the Dublin Airport Authority.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report for Today FM's National Lunchtime News: