Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is very good. I thank Mr. Thompstone. To some extent, his proposal can be used by all airports. From my observation of what is happening across Europe, the same kinds of things are being done for all airports. Coming from the Shannon region – others will have a similar view – I believe it is about ensuring the best outcome as the recovery takes place in Ireland, which is ultimately a small island where airlines are trying to consolidate for the obvious reason that they are under enormous pressure. They are trying to consolidate out of one location, principally Dublin. Is there anything in the schemes Mr. Thompstone has devised that can be applied exclusively to Shannon Airport? The bottom line is that if there is a scheme that covers all airports, they will try to reduce their costs, as we know. They have already got rid of the crew base at Shannon Airport. Mr. Thompstone, from his experience, will be conscious of the state aid rules and all that go with them, as am I. Is there an imaginative way to design a scheme that would protect the foundations at Shannon Airport so we could build upon them to protect and enhance the recovery in the region?