John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Mooney's comments. The Minister was initially meant to attend at the same meeting, given the aviation discussion, but it did not come about for some reason. It is important that we get a response to some of the points that have arisen today.

I wish to make three points briefly. In light of this discussion, it seems that Knock airport's ownership is being used as a reason not to engage.

That would be ironic, from the point of view of what has been stated about membership of the trust and board being on a voluntary basis, given current discussion around membership of boards, fees, money wastage and so on. Reference has been made to the report outlining the potential for 500 jobs. As stated, that report was published in 2010. Obviously it is not only this Government that has not engaged or rolled out any potential in this regard. I would welcome a response from the witnesses on that issue.

I was interested in Mr. Gilmore's comment in regard to the width and length of the airstrip in Knock. I note that the G8 summit in June is to be held in Fermanagh, which is approximately 60 or 70 miles from Knock. Obviously, other airports will be involved. I heard by way of conversation last week that 5,000 journalists will be working on that summit and that one television station-----