Since last July I have been asking the Government and the Minister for Transport to publish a business plan that would justify the break-up of Aer Rianta. I have said my party would look at it in the light of the business plan. Will the Tánaiste explain the reason legislation has been published in respect of which I see, almost without precedent, our schedule is being interrupted this week to bring in the Bill tomorrow, although it was published yesterday, stating that the break-up will take place from date of enactment?

And we are still awaiting the disability Bill.

The unions were not told this. They believed the break-up would take place after the conclusion and approval of the business plans. Will the Tánaiste indicate if there is any precedent for breaking up a company into its constituent parts and, after the break-up has taken place, then requiring business plans to be produced? Who is driving this agenda?

Michael O'Leary.

We know of the advertising campaign in the newspapers but over seven years additional terminal capacity could have been provided at Dublin Airport if the Government had been minded to do so. Who is driving the campaign?

I draw the Tánaiste's attention to the remarks of the Leader of the other House yesterday when, in respect of this point about the advertising campaign, she stated:

How can this person do this to get his own way? We must ask about his party alignment.....

I have received information which renders me quite speechless — which is very difficult to achieve — about a particular matter concerning that gentleman ..... The matter should be carefully examined because it involves substantial donations.

Has the attention of the Tánaiste been drawn to these remarks by the Leader of the other House? Will the Tánaiste throw any light on what information might be in possession of the Leader of the Seanad and if she has taken any steps to ask her to furnish it?

How much is the Tánaiste getting?

The Government's approach to the aviation industry is driven by the needs of the economy, tourism and the regions. I do not know what Senator O'Rourke is talking about. However, Mr. O'Leary has announced in many fora that he voted for her running mate in the last election in the Mullingar area.

A few years ago, the chairman of Aer Rianta, when encouraging me to agree to the disposal of 40% of the company to the private sector, informed me that it had the unanimous agreement of the board, including the worker directors. At the time I did not agree because it would have converted a State monopoly into a private one. The Government is simply seeking to put in place the best regime to drive competition and business at all airports. I do not know how any misunderstanding could have arisen on the part of the trade unions. The social partnership talks dealt with this matter for some considerable time. I was party to those talks until 5 a.m. on Friday morning and no one could have been in any doubt as to the Government's legislative plans.

The unions have been misled, which could put normal operations at Dublin Airport unnecessarily at risk. The unions did not know that the break-up of the company would happen from date of enactment of the legislation. I note the extraordinary and indecent haste in bringing the Bill before the House, changing the schedule of business agreed last week. Why is this being done?

The Tánaiste's comments on the interests of the region are very much an opinion. Over the past seven years the Government could have provided additional terminal capacity at Dublin Airport if it so wished. Will the Tánaiste address the issue raised by the Leader of the Upper House? Does the Tánaiste know anything about her reference to being in possession of information concerning donations that has rendered her speechless? Will the Tánaiste give a commitment to the House that if she does not know anything about it, she will find out about it and make clear to the House her position? It is not a laughing matter.

Deputy Rabbitte, your time has concluded.

I do not wish to get into conflict with the Chair but I hope the Tánaiste will address the questions I have raised.

It is not necessary to get into conflict with the Chair for implementing Standing Orders.

Any donations given by any individual or corporation are subject to public disclosure. It is a well-known fact that Ryanair gave a donation to the Progressive Democrats which was published along with donations to other political parties of which the limit is €5,000. I do not know whether this is the issue raised by Deputy Rabbitte.

The terminal did not proceed in the past because the then line Minister did not agree with competition at Dublin Airport. I hope it will now proceed on the basis of the Government's policy programme. At issue are the interests of tourism, the regions and the three airports. Under one umbrella, it is not possible for Shannon Airport, in particular, and Cork Airport to a lesser extent, to reach their full potential. Local autonomy where local boards can enter into agreements with airlines to bring more services and passengers to the airports is needed. For every 1 million passengers brought in, 1,000 more jobs will be created.

What about the business plan?

Allow the Tánaiste to conclude. The Tánaiste's minute has concluded.

No one brought me a business plan when they tried to convince me to sell 40% of Aer Rianta to the private sector or, more recently, to sell a large chunk of a bank.

That is beside the point.

The Tánaiste should give all the facts. Why were all the consultants' reports against it? She is very selective in her information.

Deputy Ryan, in fairness to your leader, he is the only one entitled to participate in Leaders' Questions. I call Deputy Joe Higgins.

Deputy Ryan should be aware——

Tánaiste, it is not appropriate to answer questions from Deputy Seán Ryan as it is Deputy Rabbitte's question on Leaders' Questions. I must ask you to conclude as you have gone over the time allowed and I have called Deputy Joe Higgins.

Deputy Rabbitte will be aware that there are serious financial problems facing Aer Rianta.

They are of the Government's making.

It was of the Labour Party's making.