John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has met with the board of Shannon Development; the outcome of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6192/05]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date with regard to his consideration of the deliberations of the working group established to examine the specific issue regarding Shannon Development; if he has met the board of Shannon Development to discuss this and other issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6148/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 51 and 82 together.

In so far as the future of Shannon Development is concerned, I refer to the reply I gave earlier to Priority Question No. 4, which outlines the up to date position in this regard.

I am aware of the end of year returns published by Shannon Development and that these show positive results in the region, including a net growth of jobs in 2004 which reverses the trend of recent years. I have noted the statement referred to in the question that the company will not have the wherewithal to continue driving the region if, as proposed, a major transfer of its assets is made to Shannon Airport. I should point out, in this regard, that the possible transfer of the Shannon free zone assets to the airport authority is just one of a number of options under consideration. As already indicated, the board of Shannon Development is also preparing a new strategy for the company in the light of the various developments impacting on the company, and the mid-west region generally. I expect to discuss this new strategy with the board in the near future.