Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

It is now six years since a Government which included the Minister made the decision to move the three State airports in Cork, Shannon and Dublin towards autonomy and independence. That brave decision was taken for a good reason to encourage competition between the three airports that would result in a reduced cost for passengers and improved service.

Much has happened since and two years ago the Government attempted to resolve the dead issues around the new Cork airport terminal by mediation. That process also collapsed. We are now in a position where the Government has postponed any separation or autonomy within those airports until 2011. That is only seven or eight months away. What is the Government doing now in terms of talking to the boards in the three airports? Is it making an effort to pursue the original strategy of allowing the three airports autonomy? With regard to Dublin Airport, is it not the case that because of financial pressures, decisions being taken in Shannon and Cork are being influenced by difficulties at Dublin Airport?

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