Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I have no issue with the calibre of the individual whom the Minister has appointed to the chair. He is a candidate of exceptional quality and skill but he does not have the experience he will need in the absence of a chief executive and for this I am disappointed it has taken the Minister so long. Six months is an undue period. The Minister should have been able to find a chairman more quickly.

During the course of the committee discussions, the chairman-designate made clear that he believes the fact that the new pay cap will be in place will be an inhibiting factor in respect of the appointment of a new chief executive. Has the Minister given any consideration to lifting the cap for the appointment of a chief executive for the Dublin Airport Authority, taking into account that no taxpayer's money is involved and the DAA is self-sufficient, especially in light of the points made by the chairman-designate? Does the Minister wish to be in a position whereby he will be obliged to take a second, third or fourth-rate candidate when he could enter negotiations with the chairman and find the best person to lead the airports of the country in future?

See this speech in context