Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I do not really want to get into this debate today, but the Senator has asked some straight questions. The Government is considering issues to do with the integration of the airport, where a terminal might be in terms of the master plan for the airport and residual freehold ownership issues. For example, the airport could have some type of emergency in which residual ownership is an issue, or it may need to change runways around. The Government is also considering the legitimate concerns of the trade unions about their members and their conditions of employment and the possible role of a regulator in terms of ensuring fair play and balance. The Government has not taken a decision on the second terminal at this time, although there is a statement in the programme for Government that it intends to examine the possibilities.

I sought expressions of interest last year and 13 groups replied. As I said earlier to Senator Ross, I hope we can bring this debate to a conclusion as soon as possible in full consultation with all the stake holders including Aer Rianta, the trade unions, the workers, potential investors and the Department of Finance. I am determined to bring certainty to aviation policy without much more delay. There is too much uncertainty in aviation policy at the moment. Some of this is because of my reform programmes, but it is also due to current market conditions.