Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

Amendment No. 18 seeks to delete references to arrangements for the delegation of functions at section 8(1). I consider it important that the Cork and Shannon authorities have the option of agreeing such a delegation of functions between them. It would not be right to delete such references.

Amendment No. 19 would provide that the entering into arrangements by Dublin Airport with Cork and Shannon Airports on delegated functions would be optional for Dublin. This is contrary to the policy objective that prior to their respective appointment dates, Dublin Airport shall make arrangements with the other two airports to delegate the performance by them of functions on its behalf to the extent agreed between the parties.

Amendment No. 20 seeks to remove text from section 8(5) which sets out the responsibility of Dublin Airport subject to any delegation of functions for Cork and Shannon Airports pending the Cork and Shannon appointment dates. The amendment is unacceptable because until their respective appointment dates, Dublin Airport will have ultimate responsibility for the management and operation of Cork and Shannon Airports. However, as provided for in sections 1 to 4, Cork and Shannon Airports, through devolved arrangements with Dublin Airport, can in the interim period undertake certain management and operational functions regarding their respective airports and can prepare to assume full responsibility for the ownership and development of the airports on their appointed days.