The three amendments in the name of Deputy Yates, one in the name of Deputy Stagg and one in the name of Deputy Sargent, while not the same concern the ownership and operation of airports. Section 23 is an enabling section, a key one in the Bill. The intention is to give Aer Rianta as broad a charter as possible and not tie it in regard to its core business. As I said, it is simply to normalise Aer Rianta's position as a commercial semi-State business. The key element of Deputy Stagg's amendment is that a principal objective would be that the existing airports would be wholly owned and managed by Aer Rianta. While this is what will happen when the three airports are vested, that interpretation of their business is probably too narrow. The provision should be general and enabling. I do not wish to bind the company. Members want to produce good legislation. I have never seen a Member attempt to include a provision which was not what they considered to be for the best objectives. I wish to make the company broad and flexible.
Deputy Yates seeks to insert the word "operate". The Bill provides that the company's objectives include "to own or manage an airport". Section 23(1)(b) states that the objects include "to take all proper measures for the safety, security, management, control, regulation, operation, marketing and development of its airports". The word "operation" is included in the section and is sufficient to permit the company to operate an airport.
Deputy Sargent seeks to include the phrase "access to transport". It is true that one must get to and from an airport but under section 23(1)(c) the object of the company is "to provide such facilities, services, accommodation. . . . .as it considers necessary". That is not a problem at Shannon and Cork Airports which are still somewhat rural but access to Dublin Airport is an issue. However, that is covered by this provision. It is not the business of Aer Rianta to provide access, although it is involved in a joint study with CIE - I have only received the interim report - of the necessity for a rail link to Dublin Airport and its cost. Including a provision regarding access would not serve any purpose. Aer Rianta is aware that if it wishes to conduct its business it must get people to the airport. Increasing congestion is a problem, although I have not yet received the final report on the study. Deputy Sargent also agreed with the two earlier provisions.
The content of the section is ideal. When I had a meeting with the unions they suggested that the word "operate" be included. However, the word "operation" in subsection (1)(b) is sufficient. There is no need to enlarge on the provisions of this section. They are already general and enabling.
The regional airports are privately owned while Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports are owned by the State. The regional airports were established by companies. Some of them, such as Knock Airport, received State aid when they were being established and all are in receipt of ongoing State aid. The Deputy referred to a feeder service. I am holding discussions with the management of the airports in Donegal, Galway and Sligo about the need to operate a feeder service for the tourist and business trade. I have met the boards of all regional airports except Waterford.
This year European funding of the airports ceased but the Department was able to provide £2 million in its Estimate and £3 million in the budget for infrastructural developments at these airports. That will make a real difference. The airports also receive ongoing State aid for promotion and marketing, a policy started by the last Government and continued by this Government. Their promotion literature is effective in extolling the virtues of each airport. The airports also receive a subsidy. Each passenger who takes a flight to or from a regional airport is subsidised by an amount of about £10. The airports would not be able to manage without such subsidies. At present, the Department is examining the tenders for regional airports which fall due.
These airports cannot be included in this legislation because they are privately owned and outside the remit of Aer Rianta. However, I accept the Deputy's point that Aer Rianta should promote the services to regional airports and make people aware that they exist. I will convey the comments of committee members about the need to promote the existence and services of regional airports to the chairman and board of Aer Rianta.