Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is not being built at another report. Based on the foresight of previous boards and CEOs of the Dublin Airport Authority, we are fortunate that we have the required land. Possibly the dearest part of any runway project is the purchase of the land, but we do not have to do this. I would welcome the chairman’s opinion.

With regard to Terminal 2, there is talk of parking slots, parking stands and bus lounges. The Terminal 2 building is open only for a few years and seems to be populated by check-in areas. Capacity has already been reached in terms of parking stands. I understand there is no capacity to extend Terminal 2, yet it is still being sought to extend it by parking buses off-site and bussing passengers to it. Does the chairman believe or accept that Terminal 2 was built in the right location? How much space has been allocated for check-in desks? Most people who go to the airport have already checked in online and are just dropping off a bag, yet when one goes to Terminal 2, there is nothing but rows and rows of check-in desks with nobody at them. I would welcome the chairman’s opinion on that matter.

Last night I was reading the chairman’s statement to a previous committee. He complimented his board members and said they comprised an extremely competent board with the relevant experience to deal with the aviation sector. Are all of the existing board members staying on with Mr. Ó Ríordáin for the following term? Has there been a turnover? Is Mr. Ó Ríordáin happy with his board members?

Pre-clearance at Dublin Airport for transatlantic flights is unique to Ireland and of considerable benefit to the tourism industry. I understand, however, that there have been difficulties with the home office in the United States in having the relevant personnel. While it does not seem to be an issue this summer, it has the potential to be down the line. Is the chairman aware of this and what is his opinion on it?

The chairman referred to national aviation policy. While regional airports do not fall within his remit, what is his view on them? Do they have a role to play? I would welcome his opinion on Knock, Shannon which is no longer under his control and other regional airports such as Kerry Airport. Do they have a role to play, bearing in mind the size of the country? How can the daa interact and engage with the likes of Ireland West Airport Knock?

Reference was made to Cork Airport. It is great to see an increase in growth and a turnaround at that airport. It is disappointing that the transatlantic flights to Boston flagged so many years ago are still in limbo as they would greatly enhance the potential of the Cork region. Could the stalemate be broken through more diplomatic efforts, perhaps involving the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade working with the relevant governor or Member of the US Senate to advance the issue?

The chairman is not complimentary of the regulatory system. He does not go into specifics; perhaps he does not wish to. He has rightly identified that the customers of the daa are the airlines, including Ryanair and Aer Lingus, but they could move at the drop of a hat. Are we at a disadvantage regarding the regulations to which we must adhere by comparison with some of the airports with which we compete? If so, will the chairman identify the regulations which are having this considerable effect?

I have two more points to make and I am taking liberty as Acting Chairman. The first point is on security. When one sees what is occurring across the world, including in Nice last week, one realises there are events that almost cannot be planned for. Who would have envisaged a lorry driver doing what he did in Nice? What has the daa done to ensure security? Everyone says Ireland is very low on the list of potential targets. However, what would be done if people decided to get at the Americans in an area in which they chose to take a holiday? A large number of Americans choose to holiday in Ireland. What is being done in that regard?

The chairman spoke about the remuneration of the CEO.

I have never been one to subscribe to a rush to the bottom. I believe that if one pays peanuts, one gets monkeys. If we are to attract the right calibre of people into the appropriate positions, they need to be adequately remunerated. Everybody has had to take a level of pain or a reduction in recent years. It is only right that everyone had to take that level of pain and that those who could give the most gave the most. However, we are now talking about having turned the corner. Mr. Ó Ríordáin spoke about there having been a huge increase in the profits of the Dublin Airport Authority, daa. As he identified improving figures across the board, he might indicate what his thinking on that is as opposed to being bland about it, if he does not mind my saying that.