Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Transport the arbitrator appointed to mediate between Cork and Dublin Airport Authorities on the projected €200 million debt arising from the construction of a new terminal at Cork Airport; the person who appointed the arbitrator; the date on which the appointment became effective; the terms of reference given to the arbitrator; and the terms of remuneration. [8030/06]

Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Transport the consultants appointed to carry out a business plan for Cork, Shannon and Dublin airports; the terms of reference of their respective appointments; the cost per hour being charged by each of the consultants; and the cost to date since being appointed. [8031/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 and 328 together.

The appointments referred to by the Deputy are operational matters for the Dublin Airport Authority plc, DAA, Cork Airport Authority plc, CAA, and Shannon Airport Authority plc, SAA, and I have no statutory functions in relation to them.

However, I am informed that in agreement with the CAA the DAA has recently appointed BDO Simpson Xavier, BDO, to assist the CAA in developing its business plan and appropriate financing proposals for the Cork Airport development investment in line with the requirements of the State Airports Act 2004, the provisions of the Companies Acts and the commercial and financial viability requirements of the DAA and CAA. BDO has also provided assistance to the SAA with its business planning process while IBI Corporate Finance Limited has advised the DAA in this regard. The commercial arrangements applying to the appointments are entirely a matter for the companies concerned and I have no function in relation to them.

In due course, and in accordance with the provisions of the State Airports Act 2004, business plans for all three airports will be presented to myself and the Minister for Finance for our consideration.