Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1008: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to establish a steering group to implement his decision in relation to the State airports; the proposed composition of this group and their terms of reference; when he expects to be in a position to implement proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26744/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that following the Government decision in principle to separate Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority and to merge it with a restructured Shannon Development, the Steering Group that is charged with bringing forward proposals for the implementation of the decision has now been established and held its first meeting yesterday.

The Steering Group is jointly chaired by Mr. Tom O'Mahony, Secretary General at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Mr. John Murphy, Secretary General at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and includes senior officials from those Departments as well as the Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Environment, Community and Local Government. The Steering Group, which will be assisted by two task forces, is due to complete its work by the end of November this year. Proposals will then be brought to Government and resulting Government decision implemented as soon as possible thereafter. However, I would not rule out some changes being made in the interim should that be beneficial.