Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

My issue has been flagged. In the light of Mr. McGann's appearance before the Joint Committee on Transport yesterday and what he said about the Great Southern Hotels having to be closed if nothing is done, it appears that the Dublin Airport Authority made a decision some time ago but that it has been awaiting a decision for some time from Government. He is quoted as saying the status quo is not an option. In light of that, if it is true, will the Leader say where the assurances of both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, now stand to the effect that the hotels would not be sold? I know those assurances or commitments go back 12 months or more, in some instances. However, it is important for visitors who return year after year, and for the staff, to know what is going to happen. It is now out in the open. This situation, as they see it, has pertained for some time. They are awaiting decisions. Do the decisions concerning that group have to take their place in the logjam of indecision and fog that seems to surround everything to do with airport policy, as with Aer Lingus, Aer Rianta and the second terminal?

Mr. McGann also spoke strongly about that yesterday and the increasing number of passengers coming through Dublin. The airport is bursting at the seams. I look forward to hearing the Leader's comments, as a former Minister for Public Enterprise.