Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

On the information that has been presented to me, I disagree with the Deputy in terms of some of the suggestions that several sites that have been decided on are inadequate. As I said in my answer, it is a matter for the Dublin Airport Authority to choose a site. I have no evidence that suggests the authority, as a new body of fine people, many of whom are experts in this area, will knowingly do something that is not in the interests of Irish aviation, airlines and passengers.

The DAA and the construction of a new second terminal must have the airlines on board as they are the key users of the facility. In a wider context, it is obvious in light of the current configuration of Dublin Airport that there is a tremendous opportunity to create one of the best hubs in Europe in terms of integration between long haul and short haul for the airlines and ease of access between passengers and their baggage, as Deputy Shortall said. These matters are for the DAA to address. Deputy Shortall is correct in that the Commission for Aviation Regulation is the independent arbiter that will dictate the charging regime in the airport. The regulator will not allow for over-capacity but only allow the costs of what is required for capacity. We will plan on this basis. I do not have an issue with planning ten or 15 years beyond what we believe will be required until 2015 but we must have an airport that is for the Irish people.

On behalf of the Government, I am the guardian of the taxpayers' investment in this facility which is one the key strategic pieces of infrastructure in this country. The airport should be in State hands. I have not seen evidence from any other country to suggest otherwise and I want to progress on this basis.

See this speech in context