61 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if the report on the public service obligations for regional airports was considered by him; when a decision will be made on the renewal of the PSO for Kerry Airport after the present PSO lapses next July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46789/10]

The Deputy will be aware of the Value for Money (VFM) Review of Exchequer Expenditure on the regional airports programme was recently completed. The review was carried out to assist me in evaluating the appropriate scale of a regional airports programme in future years bearing in mind aviation policy objectives, the updated EU legislation, the improved surface links under the NDP and Transport 21 and the need to address the difficulties with our public finances. The Review is being considered by Government and it is intended that it will be published shortly. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on any likely PSO scheme beyond 2011, including the Kerry PSO service, in advance of the Government decision in the matter.