Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to extend a very warm welcome to Ms Rose Hynes, who clearly outlined her deep understanding of the aviation sector and also of Shannon, particularly in the context of its geography, hinterland, etc. When she referred to her role with GPA and the capacity of the latter to repay all of its outstanding debts, I immediately thought she might like to take on a role with the IBRC or one of the pillar banks. We will certainly be supporting Ms Hynes's appointment because she has the skillset that is required for the position.

As Ms Hynes indicated, she was involved in the preparation of the business plan. The latter is certainly ambitious and I wish her well with its implementation. The plan refers to increasing passenger numbers at the airport by approximately 500,000 during the next 12 to 18 months. Will Ms Hynes outline the type of strategy she would envisage being deployed in order to achieve this increase? The proposal also envisages an amalgamation of the property assets of Shannon Development and Ms Hynes referred to the necessity to appoint a CEO who will have the capacity to deal with both aspects. Since the primary business here relates to driving traffic through the airport, will she indicate the type of organisational chart she would put in place? What other key skills will it be necessary to bring on board in order to chase the inbound tourism business that will be vital for the future success of the airport?

The Chairman referred to job losses so I will not comment on the matter. Ms Hynes will be well aware, from recent commentary in the newspapers, of Ryanair's intention and desire to take control of Aer Lingus. Comments made in the past few days indicate that this now appears more likely than was the case some months ago. Does Ms Hynes have any thoughts on this matter? Are there any plans she would deploy in the event of there being a lack of competition in the Irish aviation sector as a result of the merger of the two airlines? Would such a merger impact in any way on the strategy she developed in the preparation of the business plan?

In the context of the development of the cargo sector, Ms Hynes will be familiar with the report of the mid-west task force prepared by Mr. Denis Brosnan. Sections of that report were liberally referred to by one of the parties in government in the run-up to the most recent general election. The party in question placed a great deal of emphasis on the development of a cargo hub at Shannon. As Ms Hynes is aware, some proposals were made in the past in respect of Lynx Cargo. Does she have any views on this matter which she would like to share with the committee?

I wish Ms Hynes well in her new role. I know she will bring a particular vitality and focus to the work of the airport.