Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his constructive proposal. My colleagues on the benches behind me are ad idem with him on this issue. Our first objective in the context of aviation policy in this State is that we continue to have a viable Ryanair, a viable Aer Lingus and a viable Aer Arann. We are all agreed on that. Second, we want to ensure that those who lost their jobs in SR Technics are given an opportunity to use their skills for their own betterment and that of the State. I agree that Ireland has an excellent reputation in terms of its aircraft maintenance and aviation tradition. It may not be generally known that aviation is one of our largest sectors, both in terms of foreign direct investment and domestic industry. As the Deputy observed, we had discussions with union representatives and the agencies working with them but, unfortunately, the company was not seen to be viable.

On the issue of Dublin Aerospace, we were all involved in encouraging it to move through the difficulties and challenges that existed, and we were in a position to work through that and be successful. We hope it will continue to be even more successful. On the issue of tenancy at Dublin Airport, the Deputy is correct that there have been negotiations between the Dublin Airport Authority and Ryanair for hangars one and two. I understand those negotiations have been completed. Hangar six is being leased by Aer Lingus, the garage is in use by a company called M50 Motors and Dublin Aerospace is in hangars one and five. As I indicated, the DAA is in consultation with a new company in regard to hangar three, and hopefully that arrangement will work well. Hangar four is an option available to Dublin Aerospace as it is not currently let. Therefore, there are options available within the existing complement, which is far greater than what is provided in Prestwick Airport, for example. I reiterate that we are in a position to put forward a proposal for a new build at the airport to facilitate Ryanair.

It is important to note that hangar six is used to service and support the much larger aeroplanes. I understand that is not yet within the complement of Ryanair's fleet but it is the necessity for having hangar six available. I am not in a position to provide specific details on the reduction of numbers within the employ of Ryanair. My apologies to the Deputy that I do not have those, but I will ask the Minister for Transport to advise me of them. I agree that under normal circumstances, the first item that should be presented is a business plan. As of yet, no such plan has been presented to Mr. Barry O'Leary, chief executive officer of the IDA. We have an outline of a project but not a full business plan. If we are to proceed further, I will seek to examine the options set out within such a plan in the context of what can be done to support aviation and, most particularly, to have a new maintenance operation in Dublin. I put the view to Ryanair that Shannon was also available, but I understand the company does not have a specific interest in that airport.

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