Aer Rianta staff concerns and chairperson
Ó Caoláin raised staff concerns about Aer Rianta’s management and chairperson Noel Hanlon. The Taoiseach said policy issues were for the Minister and that he did not believe a further investigation was required.
If the Taoiseach is proposing that he should have a greater input, I would have to oppose that, whatever the level of representation of his views. As to being informed about Aer Rianta, how well informed is the Taoiseach about the current reality in relation to very serious staff concerns vis-à-vis the running of Aer Rianta and specifically the current chairperson, Mr. Noel Hanlon, in terms of his role and the carrying out of his functions within Aer Rianta? I am sure the Taoiseach cannot be unaware of the express concerns of members of the staff of that body. What is his view of those? Does he agree that what we are looking at in terms of whiskey and cigars is but the tip of an iceberg of a culture of corruption and that that must be addressed? Would the Taoiseach be prepared to initiate a proper and full inquiry into the conduct of the affairs and business of Aer Rianta?
Comment on this
Policy changes within Aer Rianta will have to be dealt with, and the Mini ster is involved in that. In the meantime, to the best of my knowledge, the chairman, staff and others in Aer Rianta do their very best to provide a good service. I do not believe an investigation is required, whatever the policy issues. I will say no more.