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

I welcome Mr. Geoghegan. I welcome the fact that he has spelled out the stark challenges associated with the second runway that face the Dublin Airport Authority. I am not being flippant when I say that I have consistently beaten this drum for two years. Unfortunately, the Minister has not taken the issue as seriously as he should have.

In the context of Mr. Geoghegan's new role, has he received a briefing on or clarity as to why we were informed, for two years, that legislation was being drafted to make the Irish Aviation Authority, of which he was a board member, the competent authority for noise regulation? The primary legislation was promised repeatedly in the Dáil. Has the Minister explained why that legislation was not delivered?

Mr. Geoghegan has outlined that if a new runway is not delivered it could cost anything in the region of 17,000 jobs. Is Mr. Geoghegan concerned that the Minister seems more preoccupied with providing a third terminal for Dublin Airport than a much needed runway?

Is Mr. Geoghegan aware of Brexit plans that would allow the airport to deal with the fallout from Brexit?

The Dublin to London route is the busiest city to city aviation route in Europe and the second busiest in the world. Without an open skies policy there is the potential that aviation companies will cease using the route if an agreement is not put in place. Has background preparatory work been done on this matter?

The ownership model for Cork Airport prohibits the airport from setting its own fees and charges. Does Mr. Geoghegan feel that situation constrains Cork Airport's ability to formulate a pricing structure and aggressively pursue more business? Would he favour a change in that situation?

I accept that Mr. Geoghegan has previously worked for various competitors at different stages. Will he cease to be a consultant for the aviation sector given his new role as chair of the DAA? I believe there would be a conflict of interest if he continued to provide consultancy to airlines that could be potential customers of the DAA. Will he cease consultancy work when he takes up his position?

One of the key points that Mr. Geoghegan made in his submission was about a second runway. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has not met the CEO of Fingal County Council. He confirmed that fact to me three weeks by way of his reply to my parliamentary question that I tabled in the Dáil.