Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy needs to make up his mind about me. On the one hand, he said I overstepped the mark when I got involved in the Irish Rail dispute, despite my recognising that there are industrial relations mechanisms in place which I must respect and allow to do their work. Now, on this matter, he claims I am getting too involved when I am acting inside the legal scope and parameters available to me.

For the benefit of the record of the House, in the letter in question I referred to the role of Dublin Airport as an international gateway for Ireland, the desirability of terminal and runway facilities to promote direct international air links, and the sustainable operation of the airport on a commercial basis without recourse to Exchequer funding or an equity injection by the State. These objectives are laid out in our draft aviation policy. My ability to do that is recognised under section 10 of the Aviation Regulation Act 2001.

See this speech in context