Mr. Joe Thompson:

Similarly in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Delhi, there is a much more even flow of traffic in both directions, and there is a more even split between business and leisure travel. The short answer to all this is that choice is good for all customers. Whether they are travelling for business or leisure, to or from Ireland, preserving choice and competition creates growth, opportunity and a competitive environment that, in turn, leads to more growth.

Going back to the Senator's point about the opportunity for growth at the Dublin hub, I can completely understand the rationale for that and the drive behind it. I hope it happens because that will clearly be a benefit for Irish consumers. However, the reality is that the breadth and depth of the schedule from Dublin will not match that of other larger hubs and, therefore, there will always be a role for connecting customers. There is a role for connecting customers in every large city because some markets simply do not have the volume of traffic to support a direct service. The interests of those consumers who will continue to use connecting itineraries need to be looked after.