Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It was not a wrong decision; it was very much the right decision strategically for both aviation generally and Aer Lingus given its role in the economy going forward in terms of tourism and so on. Under the proposals, we will decide on a set of advisers to advise us on what the proper investment mechanism might be for an equity share in Aer Lingus by the private sector. We will await that analysis.

With regard to the terminal issue, the Dublin Airport Authority is mandated to proceed and commission a design proposal which will be independently verified. The Commissioner for Aviation Regulation will also use his statutory powers to ensure the proposal is commensurate and consistent with the requirements of the airport going forward, as per his remit. The operational integrity of the airport, for which the DAA has statutory authority, will be married with necessary cost effectiveness and efficiency to ensure the maximum business can be done through the airport.

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