Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

As a Deputy who represents north Dublin, I want to ensure that 300 jobs or more are created at Dublin Airport. Such an eventuality would be to the benefit of the Dublin region and the country in general.

The discussions that are due to take place tonight are extremely welcome. There are those who have suggested that the Tánaiste, her office and IDA Ireland have been lax. However, the litany of correspondence and communications which passed among her office, IDA Ireland, Ryanair and the DAA and which she outlined to the House is clear proof that there a great deal of discussion has taken place.

I regret that five months after this matter first came to light, Ryanair is now stating that it has several proposals. I spoke to Mr. O'Leary on the telephone yesterday and I and a number of colleagues met him this morning. I am of the opinion that the jobs on offer are genuine. Deputy Reilly appears to be extremely dismissive of Aer Lingus, Dublin Aerospace and the DAA.

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