Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will just come back on that. I would like to see the task force look at how we might structure aviation policy into the future. Previously, the three State airports operated under the banner of Aer Rianta, as three entities within that umbrella. I would like to see some consideration given to that again to see if that might be the best model rather than the competitive tension that exists at the moment. It is ultimately a non-competitive environment because frankly, Shannon Airport, as an independent albeit State-owned entity, finds it extraordinarily difficult to compete with the financial might and strength of Dublin Airport, even in good times. The real concern now is that the airlines, working from a very low base, will try to limit a duplication of their activities to the greatest extent possible, and that can only play negatively for other airports. We will have to revisit our entire aviation policy. That is why I like the idea of someone like Dr. Horn doing the work because of his skill sets and independence from aviation, while also being someone who understands enterprise, the technology sector and where the demands come from for aviation into this country. I suggest that the committee draw up terms of reference for the next phase. We might pursue that with the Minister and the Government in an effort to get to the next stage of managing a balanced approach to what undoubtedly will be the redevelopment of the aviation sector.