Mr. Ray Gray:

If I could address the Deputy's question about the north runway, the reason for its construction is that Dublin Airport was full and because of the need to facilitate the demand for airlines both now and into the future. That is the rationale behind that.

The ownership and operation of the State airports, including the one at Shannon referred to by Deputy Crowe, is a matter for the State and the Government. It is a matter of Government policy and we follow and implement that policy.