Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 November 2012
280. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will set out the timetable for decisions in relation to the restructure of Shannon Airport to include when the Steering Group and Aviation Development Task Force will report to him and when he will respond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50223/12]
View answer281. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm if incentives in relation to Shannon Airport will be included in or are being considered for the forthcoming budget or the forthcoming Finance Bill and if so, if he will confirm that these will not have an adverse competitive impact on Ireland West Airport Knock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50224/12]
View answer283. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if discussions have taken place with the EU authorities in relation to any potential incentives at Shannon Airport; the EU's response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50274/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 280, 281 and 283 together.
As the Deputy will be aware following the Government decision in principle to separate Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority and merge it in a new entity with a restructured Shannon Development, a Steering Group of senior officials from five key Departments was established to bring forward proposals for the implementation of that decision. That Steering Group is being assisted by two Task Forces.
I understand that these groups are well advanced in their work and that the Task Forces have recently submitted their Reports to the Steering Group. Both myself and Minister Bruton will revert to Government in the coming weeks with detailed proposals for Shannon.
I do not anticipate incentives specific to Shannon being part of proposals put forward. As the Deputy will be aware Budgetary matters are an issue for my colleague the Minister for Finance.
