Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Gabhaim buíochas don Teachta Breen as ucht na deise a thabhairt dom an cheist seo a phlé. If Shannon Airport is to develop as a successful and sustainable business, it is clear that one of the issues which must be addressed in its business plan is the airport's uncompetitive cost base. When that obstacle is overcome, the airport has a real opportunity to develop new markets and attract the airline customers it needs for its commercial future.

While industrial relations at Shannon Airport are a matter for the Dublin Airport Authority and local management, I understand that the company, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, LRC, has made substantial efforts over a long period to find agreement with the trade unions involved on how the airport could operate efficiently and in a sustainable manner. Unfortunately, even though the process had the assistance of the LRC, I understand that it has not been possible so far to find agreement on the way forward. I am sure Deputy Pat Breen will join with me in hoping that the right climate to initiate meaningful negotiations between the parties may emerge as soon as possible so that the issues around the sustainability of Shannon Airport can be addressed once and for all.

The Deputy referred to the proposed tourism and economic development plan. It is important to state that this plan was initiated in the context of the ongoing EU-US open skies negotiations. In preparing the plan, the Department of Transport has consulted with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Finance. A separate liaison group established by the Mid West Regional Authority has also submitted a report on the development of the Shannon region for consideration. It is hoped to bring the tourism and economic development plan to fruition in the context of the finalisation of the ongoing EU-US open skies negotiations, which will include transitional arrangements for Shannon.

See this speech in context