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

The Deputy states that I should intervene in one area but not in another. The guiding principle I have is the legislation. I must act firmly within it and recognise and respect the structures and bodies that exist.

In the last correspondence I had with Ryanair, it subsequently wrote to me interpreting the directions I issued as “pointless” and having no impact on the CAR’s draft determination. I am a child of Ryanair. When I moved over to the United Kingdom first, the cost of flying home to see my family and friends was prohibitive. I understand the positive effect and benefit that it brought to our air travel sector.

My duty, though, is to look at what the policy objectives are for Dublin Airport and to make the right decision in terms of the powers that are available to me, which I have done. That is the spirit within which I have acted at all times. As I stated, the direction that I issued set out clear objectives to the Commission on Aviation Regulation while recognising totally its independence and discretion to implement them.

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