Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
1168. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the possible Irish Aviation Authority bid for the 42% stake in the British air traffic agency; if he foresees the IAA being in a position to pay a dividend to the State in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34282/13]
View answerWhile the Irish Aviation Authority has expressed an interest in this share sale process, no specific purchase proposal has been developed and presented to my Department. In the event that such a proposal emerges, it will be carefully examined and evaluated and a decision taken as soon as possible.
In relation to dividends, the company declared and paid a dividend of just over €5 million earlier this year in respect of 2012. This was the first dividend paid by the IAA since 2004 and is a very welcome development for the Exchequer. The IAA is a successful State company and there is a shareholder expectation of dividend payments from the company on a sustainable and consistent basis into the future, including for 2013.
