Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister and thank him for his broad outline of the policies and objectives of the Bill and also for clarifying some of the problems that have emerged in recent days that have been a cause for concern to many, including me. In his reply, I urge the Minister to reinforce his comments on those issues to counteract the spin-doctoring that may have gone on in recent days.

In recent years the volatility of the airline business has been evident worldwide. This matter has been on the agenda for a number of years and the only question was when it would be brought to the House. I welcome the legislation. I have heard it described as premature, a face-saving exercise, a Bill that was not going anywhere, and it was also said that there was not sufficient consultation on it. The Minister has informed us that there has been consultation, discussion and dialogue, from which emerged the Bill. That is good enough for me. I am not saying anyone has all the answers but consultation and dialogue have occurred and I give credit to the Minister for going through that process. It is vital that Aer Rianta, the advisers and the back-up team were involved in the process before the legislation was produced.

The Minister discussed the proposed break up of Aer Rianta. I compliment and congratulate Aer Rianta for its financial contribution to the State through the years. At a time when there was no Celtic tiger, Aer Rianta could always be relied on to do the business. Having said that, it is time to think about breaking up Aer Rianta into three autonomous authorities in Dublin, Cork and Shannon. One can debate whether the business plan should have come first or the authorities should be set up as a first step. Some speakers raised the question of whether it is a case of the cart coming before the horse or the horse coming before the cart. I urge the Minister in his reply to reinforce the points he made in his opening speech on that issue.

Should we break up Aer Rianta into three independent airports? That is the fundamental question. I believe we should break it up. We should give autonomy and independence to the three airports. I would welcome such a move. We need to decentralise, to use a word that is quite popular in today's thinking. The Cork and Shannon regions need to develop. People with professional business expertise who know the areas should be appointed to the boards of the airports. Such people, who should reflect the marketing of the area, will be charged with developing the areas to their full potential. They will bring in their own people and bring forward business plans, which I hope will be seen as successful at the end of the year.

The most important aspect of the Bill from my perspective is that we are decentralising. It is important that we develop the regions and give a fresh start to the airports. They will have separate business and marketing strategies. They will be responsible for increasing the number of passengers. The great thing is that they will be free from Dublin. As someone who travels to and from Dublin Airport, I am familiar with the chaos and hassle associated with trying to get through it. I would welcome the removal of some air traffic from the airport and the development of Cork Airport's links with Europe and the United States. It is important that we spread out the business.

I could speak about this important Bill for the next 15 minutes, but I would be reiterating the points made by others if I were to do so. I listened carefully to Senator Daly's valid concerns about the anxiety that might be felt in Shannon. I reiterate that there are concerns about the integration of Shannon Development with the new board and Aer Lingus. What is the best way in which the various groups can work together for the development of the region?

The unions are concerned about jobs. They do not want the conditions of employment of the workers who will have to transfer to be diminished. That such issues are of concern, particularly in the regions, needs to be reinforced. I ask the Minister to comment on this aspect of the matter. I agree that structures are needed.

I am concerned to ensure the airports remain in State control. Bearing in mind the experience of the Eircom flotation some years ago, I am worried that we will face problems if we sell more State assets. It is important that jobs are structured and remain under State control. I see no reason to change it because it has been a good policy until now.

The Bill has been a success so far. Minister has dealt with the issues and concerns which exist. I do not know whether other Senators are engaging in political point-scoring or genuinely believe this is a bad Bill which should not be accepted at this time. I do not believe it is a bad Bill. The Minister should restate where he is at and ensure that he transmits the message that this is a good Bill. I am not engaging in political point-scoring.