Aer Lingus has received more than 30 applications for the post of chief executive to replace Willie Walsh, who left the airline last month.
However, no candidate is likely to accept the post until the Government clarifies its position on the future ownership set-up of the airline and on the €1bn in private equity needed for the expansion of the airline's fleet.
The chief executive's total salary is €500,000, the highest of any commercial state boss in the country.