Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I would not agree with the Deputy. The group operating profit before exceptional items was €62.7 million. When the exceptional items are included, it recorded a loss of €13 million. The two exceptional items were in respect of the DAA's cost recovery programme. It spent money on trying to ensure improvements were made to all aspects of the operation of the airport. That cost approximately €46.5 million. There was a charge of €11.3 million on an asset impairment. The first year it made a loss after exceptional items, and it would be unfair to say the Dublin Airport Authority is not doing a good job. We are in the throes of a major problem internationally in the aviation sector. The number of passengers passing through the airport fell significantly. That is not a direct fault of the Dublin Airport Authority but a direct result of the general economic position we are experiencing. It will have a sizeable debt. That is on the basis of providing top quality, top class infrastructure at the airport for passengers and customers generally. It is unfair to say that these people, some of whom are high profile and would not be making money on the basis of a €12,000 fee, are not doing their job.

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