Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

I congratulate the new chairman of the Shannon Airport Authority, Mr. Brian O'Connell, who will meet Oireachtas Members next Friday. The situation in the aviation sector has changed dramatically since the idea of a separation was mooted several years ago. Does the Minister believe Shannon Airport could survive if it completely separated from the DAA? I am sure the Minister agrees with me when I say it is important that Shannon Airport has the autonomy to make decisions about its future. We all know of the airport's current problems. For example, Ryanair provides a limited service into it. Could Shannon Airport survive separated from the DAA? This is an important question.

Regarding the airport's debt, does the Minister know how much money it is making or losing? I understand that it has lost much money in recent years.

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