Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

In due course, the business plans will be submitted to the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Finance for approval as regards the State airports' financial and operational readiness.

The Minister looks forward to working with the CAA board, as it proceeds with the next steps for the airport's separation from the DAA. Also, as part of this process, there will be a need to engage in necessary consultation with stakeholders. In this regard the Minister recognises that there is an understanding with ICTU concerning the framework for consultation with trade unions on the airport business plans.

The Minister would reassure all concerned that the legal commitments enshrined in the State Airports Act concerning the protection of terms and conditions of employment of State airport employees, as well as the requirements for consultation on future collective bargaining structures, will be honoured in full.

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