Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Written Answers. - Aer Rianta.

Ivan Yates

Question:

100 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason for the delay in proceeding with her proposals with an initial public offering for the partial privatisation of Aer Rianta; if she will set a deadline for determining this issue in view of the fact that it has been under consideration for such a considerable time and the difficulties arising out of current uncertainty for all involved with the company. [13320/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I have not yet requested the Government to take any decision on the future strategic direction of Aer Rianta.

I continue to give careful consideration to the findings of the Warburg Dillon Read/AIB report on the strategic options in that regard. I expect to make recommendations to the Government shortly.

As I stated in previous replies, the issues under consideration are complex in nature and are of the utmost importance both for the company, its employees and, most critically, its customers, both the airlines and the travelling public. It is only to be expected that there will be a variety of views and opinions on matters of such complexity and importance, and I will have regard to such views in my deliberations.

I do not consider it appropriate to set a deadline for determining this issue.