Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Scollan and Mr. Gilmore for a fine presentation. The history of the airport was impressive.

I will go straight to members. I remind them that today is budget day and there are many under pressure around here. I want specific questions.

I do not want statements. I know members have a lot to say but the issues arising have been addressed in the presentation. I will be cutting members off after two minutes of questions. As non-members are present and I received a number of calls today and yesterday, I will call members first and when they have finished I will call non-members. We will take four questions at a time in a rota revolving between Opposition and Government members. I ask the witnesses to be as specific as possible with their answers because we are constrained by time. I will begin with the first question. In 1991 the airport was handed over as a private or community trust. At that stage was the airport in debt?