Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:46 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her proposals for the future of Aer Rianta; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8710/01]
Written Answers. - Aer Rianta.
As I have previously stated, my Department will continue to give careful consideration to the issue of Aer Rianta's corporate future. The issues involved are complex and the options for the future of the company should also have regard to developments generally in the airport sector in Europe and elsewhere. While I remain personally of the view that a minority IPO may be the best option to address Aer Rianta's funding needs in the medium and long-term, I am conscious that there are policy aspects to that option on which I and other Ministers need to reflect carefully.
As the Deputy is aware, the Aviation Regulation Act is now in force and the framework for independent regulation of airport charges, which is now being pursued by the regulator, will help to clarify the policy debate, since airport charges have been an issue in that debate. As I said in response to earlier questions, my main concern in relation to whatever strategy is decided upon for Aer Rianta is that it is the correct strategy not just for the company itself and its employees but also for the users of the State airports.