Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

The first phase is proposed for completion in 2015, with the overall aim to have the project completed by 2033 at the latest. On the basis of what I have been told, I have no concern that airport charges would be bumped up to pay for this. This is quite a separate project and would be managed as such. Funding for the project will be independent of all the capital investment projects they have at the moment. That is one issue I would insist upon and it is important there is no cross-subsidisation. Perhaps the Deputy was speaking more about a cross-charge in voicing a fear that airport passengers would be paying for this.

I have had no discussions at all with the former Minister for Finance, the current Taoiseach, on how we might use the pension funds because, as I indicated in my reply, that is a matter for the National Pensions Reserve Fund itself. It does not discuss the matter with us or take direction. It is independent and the law was always specifically provided that it would operate that way precisely because interference was not wanted in case of investment decisions being made on a political rather than financial basis. I support that.

With regard to Deputy O'Dowd's points, I absolutely agree the DAA should, as an airport authority, concentrate on its job, do it very well and look after its customers. In fairness, with increased numbers causing difficult circumstances currently, and particularly over the last number of years before pier D opened, it has done a reasonable job. I have stated this directly to its representatives and in this House. However, there is no doubt it has been difficult for customers.

I agree with the Deputy and one issue I would be particularly focused on is ensuring the DAA does not take its eye off the ball.

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