Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That someone has to queue for hours at security checks is wrong and off-putting for passengers. Ticket prices are important, but addressing those alone will not get people to fly out of Shannon. We need to improve connectivity. We have dithered around for a long time waiting to see whether coach operators will apply for licences to travel to and from Shannon Airport and make drop-offs there. Mr. Henry is helmsman of the board. Will Shannon Group take this situation by the neck and apply to the National Transport Authority, NTA, to run a service? The group could contract it out to whomever, but such a service would ensure that there are drop-offs at the departure hall of Shannon Airport and that its passenger catchment area is the whole west coast and the midlands.

Will Mr. Henry give an interim commitment to the Shannon Heritage staff and those who depend on tourism in the region? A process is under way and four Departments are convening to consider the transfer, fund it and do it right, but Shannon Group cannot take its eye off the issue. It has managed these sites for a long time. Ms Mary Considine has been CEO since before Mr. Henry entered his role. There is a feeling among staff and people with a grá for these sites that the Shannon Group has taken its eye off the issue. It is like a divorce, in that the ship has sailed and is no longer on the group's priority list. Will Mr. Henry give an interim commitment?