Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 13, 16, 35, and 40 to 42, inclusive, together.

I have already outlined in the House today the current position on the future of Cork and Shannon airports and the background to the commissioning of consultants to carry out a study of the options for the future ownership and operation of both airports. The tender process used to select the consultants took into account, among other factors, the degree of each tenderer's expertise and experience of the aviation sector, nationally and internationally. The terms of reference for the study were essentially to identify and analyse all likely options with regard to the ownership and operation of the two airports and having regard to all relevant factors to make clear recommendations to me and the Government as to the optimal ownership and operational structure for the airports.

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