Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment regarding the failure by the State and the Dublin Airport Authority to secure 500 jobs at Dublin Airport; the discussions he has had with the Dublin Airport Authority regarding this matter; the action he will take to ensure that such difficulties do not occur again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8600/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I have of course kept in close contact with the DAA and my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on this matter. As the Deputy knows, the Tánaiste met the Ryanair chief executive earlier this week. Despite the disappointing outcome of that meeting, I can reiterate the assurances given by the Tánaiste regarding the willingness of the DAA to facilitate Ryanair investment at alternative sites to Hangar 6.

The jobs referred to by the Deputy are "in the gift" of Ryanair. All relevant State Agencies have been and continue to be more than willing to facilitate that Company in the provision of a site or hangar facilities to accommodate those jobs. The insistence of Ryanair on the use of Hangar 6 which is leased to another company despite alternatives being available and offered to Ryanair is very regrettable.