Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is a decision I would welcome but I cannot do much about it if the IAA decides not to pay it. I would be surprised if it does not. I am hopeful because it was obviously done on the basis that the IAA had large reserves and was making substantial sums of money. It is still a successful State organisation and I very much hope the payment of a dividend will be repeated this year.

Deputy Troy raised the issue of regional airports. The numbers going through them were pretty static last year. Shannon went up from approximately 531,000 passengers to approximately 561,000 passengers. Passengers in Knock increased from approximately 244,000 to approximately 251,000. Kerry saw an increase in passenger numbers from approximately 102,000 to approximately 114,000. Those are small percentages. Kerry was the only one that showed a double-digit percentage of growth. The intention will be to give them a public service obligation, PSO, because they will need it. That will continue this year.

The DAA is preparing effectively for Brexit. We are reassured that it is doing so successfully. That will be self-funding, as far as I know. The DAA is paying itself.