Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Commission for Aviation Regulation was contacted as well. There was certainly communication with all those bodies.

I wish to respond to Deputy Brendan Ryan, who made the same point about the lack of independence or not being independent enough. I hope I have answered that by saying that we have taken opinion on the matter from outside the Department, in particular, from the Office of the Attorney General. It is important that we should get that from the office that rejected the proposal relating to the Irish Aviation Authority.

There is a common theme running through much of what people have said to the effect that I should take on board what people are saying. I wish to say one thing that is important. I absolutely commend Deputies Daly, Troy, Coppinger and Munster on what they are doing in representing the residents. That is a useful and effective democratic procedure. Undoubtedly what they have said has had an effect on the Bill. However, I do not accept in any sense the criticism that I have ignored local residents. My guess is that no Minister would have met more local residents. I have not met them all - there are many groups - but I have met a vast number of residents from the areas involved as well as various delegations that Deputies have asked me to meet. These are not people in my constituency but from north Dublin. I welcome that and I have taken those views on board.

I have asked the DAA in various circumstances to meet these people and to take into account various points of view. I believe it is the right thing to do. It has taken some time and it has been useful but it is what a Minister ought to do and it is reflected in the Bill. The points of view of residents are paramount and have to be taken into account. There must be a balanced approach of course. The idea that this has been done in any way regardless of their views or the real fears, difficulties and problems this may entail for them is not true. They have had a welcome audience. I have no wish to make this into some sort of pious statement. There may be one or two whom I have not met but I have met a great many. I have met several delegations and I have not been reluctant to meet them at all. I hope that is reflected in everything I have been saying and in the Bill. I think I have answered all the questions for the moment.