Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Transport if the complete break-up of the three State airports is now permanently on hold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35815/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The State Airports Act, 2004 provides the framework for the establishment of Shannon and Cork as independent airports. Under the Act, both the Minister for Finance and I will have to be satisfied as to the state of operational and financial readiness of the three airports before any vesting of assets can take place.

All three Airport Authorities are currently working on the production of business plans for the post-independence era. Recognising that the three airports will require coordinated strategies for the achievement of operational and financial readiness, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is overseeing the consistency of the assumptions and strategies of each business plan.

The actual timing of airport restructuring will be contingent on the creation of the appropriate conditions that will ensure the financial sustainability of all three State Airports.

I can assure the Deputy that Airport restructuring has not been put on hold, but I have not imposed any artificial deadlines for the completion of the process. My Department will continue to liaise with all three authorities on the business planning timetable.