Mr. Pádraig Ó Céidigh:

Yes. I am aware the Department is very actively involved in that particular space. From my engagement with the Department, it is very much on board and keen to have an effective aviation strategy for Ireland. I will say a couple of things. What is the vision? What do we want to achieve here? Given where we are coming from, that is, we are an island nation physically surrounded by water, what is the purpose of the aviation strategy? The first and primary purpose is connectivity, and connectivity with the world. How do we create that connectivity? What strategies do we need to have in place to make that connectivity as seamless as possible? On that connectivity, where are the key areas we want that connectivity? I am talking about, as the Chairman, Senator Dooley and others have said, London Heathrow with three flights a day at the proper times and the transatlantic routes. A very interesting point was raised by Deputy Cathal Crowe in relation to Riyadh. Where we want to get to is fundamental in this. Then there is the matter of what do we need from an infrastructure to help us get there. To me, effective public transport links to the airports are really important. Who are some of the key stakeholders to help us there? One such stakeholder is Tourism Ireland due to its marketing of the island of Ireland internationally. I would also welcome an opportunity to meet with and discuss the strategy the organisation may have for Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport, and City of Derry Airport because that should be part of the overall sense of people coming to the island. That is not a political statement or anything. It is a purely economic practical statement, to be honest.