Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The independence of the State airports is a serious issue, particularly as it relates to their future financial viability. The critical issue that arose in respect of the Shannon slots and the role of the Dublin Airport Authority in not informing its subsidiary, Shannon Airport, as to what was happening has raised serious questions regarding the future of the region. If the Shannon Airport Authority had been independent, I presume the Minister's Department would have contacted it and alerted it to the significant changes that would result from the decision made by Aer Lingus.

The State Airports Act has been in place for three years. That is a long period for this matter to have dragged on. That Shannon Airport is not independent has brought about serious repercussions for it in the context of the Aer Lingus decision. It is unforgivable and unacceptable that the Dublin Airport Authority did not inform Shannon as to the nature of that decision.

It is intended that these airports will compete for new business, particularly in the context of the open skies policy, in the future. The Shannon region is believed to be under significant threat unless a viable business plan is brought forward in respect of its airport. In addition, everyone, including the Government, must row in and draw up a new overall plan in respect of Shannon and Cork.

It was announced in budget that funding for regional airports will increase by approximately €20 million. Is any of that money meant for either Shannon or Cork? I accept that neither of them might be perceived as regional airports.

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