Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

As indicated to the Deputy in my reply to PQ 17984/10 of 5 May 2010, the annual report and accounts of the Dublin Airport Authority for 2009 were published on 27 April and were lodged in the Library of the Houses of the Oireachtas the same day.

I noted that falling passenger numbers caused by the recession led to the Dublin Airport Authority's gross profit reducing by 10% on the previous year. The Dublin Airport Authority's group profit in 2009, excluding exceptional items, was €38 million as compared to €78 million in 2008.

Despite the 2009 results, I welcome the continuing efforts of the company to achieve efficiencies in the current difficult market conditions. The success of the company's cost recovery programme reflects well on the contribution that employees can make to the Dublin Airport Authority's financial performance and to enhancing its ability to operate the airports more efficiently in the future.

The recent appointment of a chief operating officer is an organisational matter for the Dublin Airport Authority and I have no function in the matter.

In line with normal shareholder contacts, I met with the board and management of the company on 14 May last and discussed with them strategic issues and the company's plans for the future.

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