Cullen draws fire over airport debt issue

TRANSPORT Minister Martin Cullen faced a barrage of criticism in the Seanad last night after insisting the Government’s position on the break-up of Aer Rianta had never changed.

Labour Senator Brendan Ryan accused the minister of making a "hot air speech" and ignoring commitments made by his predecessor, Seamus Brennan.

Under the proposed separation, Dublin, Cork and Shannon will become independent of each other, but remain under State ownership. Presently, Dublin controls its sister airports.