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

I suppose therein lies the problem. Because of the delay we know the DAA will make an application to the new competent authority when it is established on these two planning conditions but we do not know what the outcome will be and because of the delay in appointing the competent authority, there is a knock-on delay in making that application and in knowing the outcome of that application and the potential of an appeal regarding it. Because of the inexplicable delays at the Department's level, there have been knock-on consequences over which we have no control in terms of the timeline and it could lead to serious negative consequences for the airport, we simply do not know.

The Minister has pointed out that the 18 months was not his fault and that it was legal opinion that changed at the 11th hour. I looked back, however, on a question I asked the Minister in the Dáil last September and at that stage it was clear, because for the first time he did not reply saying that he would have legislation within weeks. At that stage he was reviewing the process on the competent authority and he did not refer to the IAA. Almost 12 months have elapsed from when the Minister was aware that the IAA was not going to be appointed and we still do not have draft legislation. I ask again when the Minister was advised the IAA was no longer a runner.

Early this year, when we got the briefing from the Minister's officials, for which I thank them, the Minister indicated strongly at that stage that he would have this legislation debated in the Dáil before the summer recess. Is he satisfied there has been a further delay, even with the appointment of Fingal County Council? I take the point that the Minister said that Fingal County Council can now start employing the necessary expertise and that is welcome. Does the Minister think there is merit in him signing a statutory instrument appointing Fingal County Council to give it the certainty that there will be no further changes and that could be backed up by the legislation when it comes into place in the autumn? He stated he has met the residents groups on a number of occasions and I acknowledge that but on the other side of the debate, how many of the bodies and CEOs has he met in trying to advance this process? Does he believe it will be an independent unit within Fingal County Council or will it be based within the planning department?

The Minister keeps citing the complexities in this regard. I am open to correction but my understanding is that as of November of last year, 13 of the other 27 member states had their competent authority appointed. They received the same notification as we did. Is the Minister satisfied that 13 countries could have it done last November and we could not?