Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Public Appointments Service, PAS, is managing the process now. The system has changed since I was last a Minister. Previously, Ministers were very involved in the process but increasingly it is the responsibility of the PAS. I understand that the process is well advanced and I presume nominees will be presented to Government soon and I will make a decision very quickly. Whoever takes over as chairman is facing a real challenge, particularly if Senator Dooley is correct and the virus continues to have an impact for the next two to three years. That will create a very difficult environment but the airport is strategically vital for the region and the Government understands that. We will have to consider how we manage aviation policy. I do not think anybody has a rule book at the moment or a clear vision because we do not know what the virus is going to do. As soon as that becomes clear, it will be easier to understand future.