Written answers

Tuesday, 4 May 2004

8:00 pm

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in providing the business information to union representatives in Aer Rianta; and the length of time he proposes to allow for adequate consideration of this prior to the publication of the State airports Bill. [12722/04]

Photo of Séamus BrennanSéamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, I gave an undertaking to the Aer Rianta unions that, subject to agreeing suitable arrangements to deal with commercially sensitive material, I would make available share key financial information on the three State airports before the text of the amending legislation to give effect to the restructuring of the company is approved by the Government. This information was provided to the unions' financial advisers on Friday of last week. Both the unions and their advisers are aware of my intention to have the new legislation enacted before the summer recess. I have asked the unions to respond to the financial information over the next two weeks.

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for Transport if his Department has resolved the legal difficulties surrounding the break-up of Aer Rianta; if he has satisfied himself that the three airports are commercially viable as stand alone entities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12754/04]

Photo of Séamus BrennanSéamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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As I have stated on previous occasions in this House, the implementation of the Government's decision to restructure Aer Rianta is a strategically important but complex project. My Department and its advisers have now clarified the significant technical and legal issues which will determine the scope and content of the necessary amending legislation to give effect to the restructuring. It is my intention to have that legislation enacted before the summer recess and I do not wish to pre-empt its contents before it is approved by Government and published.

I believe that each of the airports will be a commercial success and will maximise sustainable economic activity both within the airport companies themselves and in their catchment areas. I am also satisfied that with a fresh start under strong and visionary new leadership, all three airports will be better positioned to adapt more quickly to the new challenges and opportunities of the rapidly changing aviation environment.

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