Ruairí Quinn
Question:112 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the report of the assessment panel on a second terminal for Dublin Airport. [13688/03]
Written Answers. - State Airports.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:123 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the Government's plans for the future of Aer Rianta; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the General Secretary of ICTU regarding his approach to Aer Rianta's future and the amount of consultation permitted to staff; his views on the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13687/03]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:145 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport his plans regarding the future management of Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13618/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 123 and 145 together.
Two main issues in the programme for Government relate to the future of Aer Rianta and the three State airports, including Shannon Airport. These are the proposals concerning greater autonomy and independence for Shannon Airport and Cork Airport; and the commitment to examine proposals for a new independent terminal at Dublin Airport and to progress such proposals if the evidence suggests that such a terminal will deliver significant benefits. My Department is engaged in a process of consultation with relevant interested parties and stakeholders. In this regard, there has been a number of consultation meetings with the Aer Rianta unions over recent months. I personally attended two of the meetings to elaborate on the background and policy drivers in relation to both the initiatives. The Taoiseach and I also met last week with Mr. David Begg, the general secretary of ICTU, and other trade union representatives to discuss these important issues.
Following this consultation process, it is my intention to bring proposals to Government in relation to these major initiatives as soon as possible. The report from the panel of experts, chaired by Mr. Paddy Mullarkey, in relation to the independent terminal concept at Dublin Airport has been published on my Department's website. This report is under consideration in the context of the ongoing consultation process.
Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 100.