Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister. There is nothing particularly new in the statement he has just made. My understanding was that the Minister had said in the past that he intended to announce before Easter his decision on the future management and control of the two State airports, namely, Shannon and Cork, and that it was his intention to bring forward legislation by the end of the year. If it has not been brought to Government as of now, can we take it that a decision will not be made before Easter? Can I take it also that an announcement on the future of Shannon Airport will not be made during the Minister's visit to Clare on Friday? It would be helpful if he could give us a more definitive time as to when he intends to deal with the issue I have outlined to him on a number of occasions.

I am not trying to suggest in any way that it is not a difficult decision or that the Minister does not have many considerations to take into account, but he now has the benefit of the Booz report which sets out a number of key options. I am aware the Department has engaged with stakeholders to try to ascertain the best solution. There are many factors that require appropriate attention, particularly regarding the way the Minister would subvent or provide for Shannon Airport over a period of change. Clearly, all of those factors must play into any decision he would make. It would be helpful to all concerned if the Minister could give more clarity, first, on the timeframe for a decision of the Government and, second, when we will see the effects of that decision.

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