Vol. 418 No. 2
22 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the number of meetings she has held over the past three weeks with the various interest groups concerned with Shannon airport transatlantic status; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As Deputies are aware, I have, since my appointment, set out to address the issue of the Shannon stop. I have had discussions with all the major interests concerned. I have met Aer Lingus, Aer Rianta, Bord Fáilte, Fly Dublin Direct Committee, Dublin and Galway Chambers of Commerce, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association, ICTU, Ryanair, Shannon Development, Shannon Status Committee, Shannon Town Commissioners and SIGNAL, representing the workforce. In the last three weeks alone, I have met a number of interests in the US, who raised with me the question of the Shannon stop policy.
I am at present assessing the outcome of these consultations as well as all the submissions received both for and against a change in policy. While I have not yet formulated any proposals in the matter for consideration by the Government, I hope to be in a position to do so after Easter.
