Air Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004

Tuesday, 7 December 2004

Questions (31)

Gay Mitchell

Question:

56 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport whether there is a conflict of interest in the recent decision taken by Dublin Airport Authority workers to make formal approaches to some of the private investors who have expressed an interest in developing a second terminal at Dublin Airport with a view to establishing a partnership arrangement between DAA workers and the operator of a second terminal at the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32040/04]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

With regard to the commitment in the programme for Government to examine proposals for a new independent terminal, my Department is currently consulting with the new board of the Dublin Airport Authority and it is my intention to bring proposals on the matter to the Government very shortly.

I am aware of media reports that some workers at Dublin Airport have made contact with parties who submitted "expressions of interest" to my Department regarding the concept of an independent terminal at the airport. However, until I have completed my own examination of the options, including taking account of the views of the new Dublin Airport Authority, and the Government has taken a decision in the matter, any approaches of the kind referred to by the Deputy that may be taking place can only be speculative.