76 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if there is a system of frequent financial reporting on the performance of Aer Rianta; her views regarding indications that Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports will make an operating loss for 2001-02; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22632/01]

In addition to the statutory reporting requirements on an annual basis, Aer Rianta, in common with the other commercial semi-State companies, is subject to the reporting requirements of the 1992 guidelines for State bodies which provides, inter alia, for the submission of unaudited financial statements covering the first six months of the accounting year.

Officials of my Department also maintain regular contact with management in Aer Rianta on matters concerning company performance and future plans. I myself also meet with the chairman of the company from time to time and these matters would also feature in our discussions.

I am not aware of any indications that the three State airports at Dublin, Shannon and Cork will make on operating loss for 2001-02. While the recent downturn in the global aviation sector will undoubtedly have an impact on the profitability levels of most companies in the sector, any suggestion of the three State airports operating at a loss for the current financial year is mere speculation.