Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Everyone is being very helpful. I was very much against the idea of the network being sold in terms of Eircom. It set us back in the Government being able to roll out broadband and on various other measures. When considering Aer Lingus, one of the key features is its Heathrow slots. It is a major factor in the case of Shannon and I represent Limerick City. The Minister might explain that factor in terms of control mechanisms. This factor involves connectivity and other elements. The Minister might elaborate on his thinking on that area.

Regarding the €3 billion target, will the Minister also elaborate on what he expects to be the range of funding available and link that to the type of projects it might be invested in and how they will be job-creation proofed? There is much talk about this but I want empirical work done on that. Those are my practical questions. I want the Minister to talk about job creation. It is wise that decisions made on Coillte would be empirically based. The Minister might give an overall view on that area with the emphasis on job creation. I am particularly interested in the Aer Lingus's Heathrow slots as that issue has a particular resonance with people in the mid-west.