Derek McDowell (Labour)

We have received as much information from the Minister as we are going to get. We are making a decision by proxy to dispose of some of Aer Rianta's assets. It is a pity we are doing so without adequate debate because the board will not have much choice when push comes to shove. Will it be necessary for Aer Rianta International, as a subsidiary of Aer Rianta plc, to borrow to pay its parent company the due dividend? Do I understand the Minister's response to indicate it would? If this is the case, we are moving debt around. I appreciate the Minister must do so in order to stay within the rules, but it does seem a strange paper exercise in which to engage.

Subject to the Minister's response, I do not intend to press the amendment.