Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The Dublin Airport Authority lost €13 million last year. The debt it has now is closer to €1 billion, which is a great deal of money. The company paid its chief executive officer €638,500 in 2009. It appears many people are very well paid in this company. Sixteen directors were paid €187,000 in fees. The chairman will get almost €20,000 per annum. The point is that these people are very well paid but they are not producing the goods. They are losing money and they need a radical shake-up. The approach of the Government and the Minister is not challenging them sufficiently. I am aware these are difficult times for the airport authority but it is clear that while the executives are very well paid, they are not producing the goods on the ground.

See this speech in context