Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Transport when consultations will commence with the trade unions on the business plan for Shannon Airport as committed under the State Airports Bill 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30505/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, 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.

Shannon Airport Authority recently submitted its draft business plan to the DAA. I understand that there will shortly be engagement between the two parties on the plan's content. A similar engagement will be expected to occur between the Cork Airport Authority and the DAA relating to the Cork airport business plan, once that plan has been submitted to the DAA.

Subject to satisfactory progress being made on the plans, I await the DAA's overall considered views on airport separation to enable the plans to be examined by the Minister for Finance and myself.

While there is no express provision for consultation with the trades unions on the business plans in the State Airports Act 2004, my Department has given commitments to consult with the Irish Congress of Trades Unions. At the appropriate time my Department will be in contact with ICTU with regard to these consultations.