Ms Rose Hynes:

The job at Shannon is a major challenge. There is nothing easy about it and there is no guarantee it can be achieved. However, we have an ambitious plan. I do not apologise to anybody for having a high ambition for Shannon. The danger is not that we aim too high and miss our goal but that we aim too low and achieve it. The Deputy asked about the debt write-down. There was not actually a debt write-down. Shannon was part of the DAA group which had debt. When Shannon was separated from the DAA group, the debt remained with the DAA group. Therefore, the DAA group is responsible for the debt. That deals with that issue.

In regard to subvention, Shannon is one of the three State airports. For State aid reasons, Shannon must make its own way in the world. It is independent, it is a commercial semi-State company and is not entitled to receive subvention. The reason Shannon was separated from the group was to allow it take on the challenges. Shannon, as part of the group, was in danger and was going only one way.

On the issue of military traffic, we will do what we can to grow military traffic. There is a certain slice of the pie at any particular point in time, depending on US troop movements to various places, and we will certainly do what we can to increase our share of such traffic. In regard to a Shannon business plan, there is no silver bullet for Shannon and there are many opportunities to be explored. The issue is not about passengers alone. The bigger point in respect of Shannon is the creation of an aviation centre of excellence which will not just be about Shannon. Currently, Shannon is an important driver for the mid-west region but it could become an important driver for Ireland if we can achieve that goal. The big picture for Shannon is much broader than passenger numbers. It is not a picnic, it is a serious challenge and there is no guarantee it can be achieved.