Vol. 518 No. 3
105 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the recommendations, if any, she has made to Government with regard to the break-up of Cork, Dublin and Shannon airports; the discussions she has had with those concerned; when a final decision will be made in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11457/00]
Public Service (Mrs. O'Rourke): I submitted the Warburg Dillon Read report on the strategic options for the future of Aer Rianta to my Cabinet colleagues at the Government meeting on 1 February and also made it publicly available. I am continuing to give careful consideration to the findings and recommendations contained in that report with a view to formulating specific proposals for consideration by Government. It would not be appropriate for me to indicate at this stage what my recommendations might be.
Since the middle of last year I have received considerable correspondence on the subject and I met and consulted with staff and union representatives of the airports and representatives of other local interests to hear their views and concerns regarding the future of the airports.
Decisions on possible alternative ownership arrangements for the State airports will not be taken in advance of the Government's consideration of these issues.
