Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for clarifying that he intends to publish a version of the report by the end of the month. I welcome that. As I have expressed to the Minister in the past, the report is causing great consternation and concern among workers and tourism interests in the Shannon region. They are deeply concerned that the report has not been published almost 12 months after the Government came to office on the back of expectations that it would introduce important measures to assist Shannon Airport and the wider region which would increase the number of routes at the airport and consequently boost passenger numbers. Expectations in the region were raised by statements and comments made by the Fine Gael Party and its partner in government. I am disappointed it is taking so long to publish the Booz report. I am also concerned by some of the leaks emanating from the Government or individuals who are familiar with the contents of the report. It is clear that some external interests are seeking to privatise, part-privatise or franchise in some manner the activities at the airport. Any such moves would fly in the face of the necessity to retain in State control not only the airport's infrastructure but also its operations, management, facilities and assets. I hope the Department will be able to live up to the stated intention to publish the report by the end of the month and it will not be necessary to have a further discussion on it in Question Time. I look forward to a debate in the Dáil or the Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht following its publication.

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