Vol. 575 No. 3
262 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to enshrine in statute guarantees on the retention of the current level of transatlantic services to and from Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28083/03]
I am engaged in consultations with interested parties in relation to transatlantic air services to and from Shannon Airport. When these consultations are concluded I will decide on the next steps.
263 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport when the new Shannon Airport authority is due to be operational; if the current number of employees will continue to be employed in the new company with the same conditions of employment as currently exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28084/03]
Last month, I announced the membership of the new board-designate for Shannon Airport and it will be involved in bringing about the transition to full independence and autonomy. However, the new board will not be fully operational until it is established on a statutory basis and, in this regard, my Department is preparing the necessary amending legislation to give effect to the restructuring of Aer Rianta. It would be my hope that the three new State airport companies, including the new Shannon Airport authority, could be up and running on a statutory basis as early as possible next year.
I have made it clear that there will not be any diminution in the conditions of employment of Aer Rianta workers arising from the decision to restructure Aer Rianta. I propose to reflect this position in an appropriate provision in the amending legislation.
The numbers employed in Shannon Airport in future years will depend on a number of factors, including the business plans and strategies of the new board and the efforts of the board, management and staff to grow existing services and attract new services.
