Vol. 503 No. 6
102 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on a recent statement issued by the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland's air transport users committee regarding the break-up of Aer Rianta's monopoly in Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10955/99]
I am aware of the recent statement issued by the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland's air transport users committee regarding airports policy and the future of Aer Rianta.
It would not be appropriate for me, however, to speculate on any future development in respect of Aer Rianta, until I have given serious consideration to the report on the future strategic direction of Aer Rianta which was submitted to me by the board of the company on 15 April 1999. I am studying the contents of the report and I look forward to hearing the views of all interested parties.
The Minister for Finance and I have jointly appointed a team of advisors led by Warburg Dillon Read to assist us both in our examination of the Aer Rianta report and to advise on the full range of options for the company. The consultants are expected to take about two months to complete their work.
Any decision about the future of Aer Rianta will be one for the Government to take following a recommendation by me.
