Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The recommendation that Shannon Development disengage from industrial development functions in the region was made by the enterprise strategy group rather than by me. The Shannon Airport Authority and Shannon Development entered into direct discussions on this matter in late 2004 and these are ongoing. It also employed a consultant to determine with greater precision costing elements and funding issues vis-À-vis the airport and Shannon Development and the likely revenue stream available.

I have held meetings with several Ministers with a direct interest in this question. We are examining the overall context for Shannon on the aviation and industrial sides and endeavouring to produce a solution which will have the support of all concerned. We are anxious to achieve consensus on the future of Shannon Development in co-operation with local interests. That is the current position. The process is still under way and involves the Ministers for Transport and Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Killeen, who, as a representative for the area, has a particular interest in this matter and particular insights to offer, as does the Minster for Defence, Deputy O'Dea.

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