Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a couple of questions to start.

We are hearing from airlines that are looking for State support and funding. According to Mr. Thompstone's analysis of what is occurring in countries across Europe and elsewhere that are trying to attract business and generate a recovery, has there been a mixture of funding for airlines and airports or is it more the role of the airport to ensure that connectivity is linked to a region? We had representatives of Aer Lingus before the committee yesterday. Mr. Thompstone may have had an opportunity to see the proceedings. We were trying to understand why an airline such as Aer Lingus would not make commitments to an airport such as Shannon Airport even though the State is providing significant support to it through loans, etc. From Mr. Thompstone's experience, does he believe one of the best approaches is to support the airport in the region with the necessary funding to ensure connectivity, and that this is ultimately how we might best achieve the balanced-----