The outgoing Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, has written to the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, telling him that, as the shareholder in Aer Rianta, he was satisfied with the package offered to Ms Margaret Sweeney.

Ms Sweeney is the outgoing chief executive of Aer Rianta who announced her plan to resign last week. Mr McCreevy in the letter explains the recent decision to approve the package was taken after contact was made by Aer Rianta chairman Mr Noel Hanlon.

Neither Department wished to comment on the letter last night, but it is understood that Mr McCreevy makes it clear he could find no difficulty with the proposals outlined by Mr Hanlon. He also makes clear that, as Minister for Finance, he is the shareholder in the company.

The letter is believed to be short and does not include any reference to the recent controversy surrounding the break-up of Aer Rianta. It arrived at the Department of Transport yesterday. Mr McCreevy and Mr Hanlon are believed to have a long-standing friendship.

The board of Aer Rianta met this week to approve the package for Ms Sweeney. The company has declined to reveal the value of the package, but it is thought to be worth about €750,000. Mr McCreevy's letter is not thought to include a reference to the value of the contract.

The Dublin Airport Authority, chaired by Smurfit executive Mr Gary McGann, takes over from Aer Rianta on Friday, October 1st. Mr Brennan has asked that the incoming authority examine the package agreed with Ms Sweeney, but sources are sceptical about whether this will happen.

The agenda for the new authority is already crowded, with issues like a second terminal and a business plan for Dublin Airport likely to pre-occupy the board in the initial weeks.

Ms Sweeney has agreed to remain working at Dublin Airport for the initial period when the authority takes over.

Last Friday, Aer Rianta said she had exercised the termination clause in her contract of employment. It said this followed a prolonged period during which the board and Ms Sweeney failed to get "clarification" from the Department of Transport in relation to her role as chief executive in the future Dublin Airport Authority.

The board said it wished to acknowledge the very significant contribution Ms Sweeney has made to Aer Rianta and its associated companies.