Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There have been some learnings. I get that. I thank Mr. McLean for that. I have a concern about the way in which the security lanes operate. We have all had experience of different airports. Terminal 2 is outdated. It was outdated when it was built. Based on what I have seen at other airports, I do not believe there is enough space. People have to snake around. The point from the back to the front is poor. For want of a better word, the basket delivery system is like something you would see in some kind of antiquated airport. The baskets come back more quickly even in terminal 1. I go through the airport quite a bit and I see the things that cause delays. The layout is very poor even in comparison with terminal 1.

Shannon Airport has been mentioned. New equipment has been installed there but not in Dublin Airport. Perhaps Mr. Philips can tell us about that. This equipment allows people to leave liquids in their bags, which gets passengers through a lot more quickly.

I am concerned. Anytime I go through the airport, I see a new concession or shop opening in the mall. There are new construction works around that. I do not mean to be overly critical but it seems that the DAA is more interested in the retail offering and in operating as a glorified department store than in processing passengers. I contend that the reason for this is that it has the airlines by the throat because there is no effective competition. If it wants to, the DAA can ease off on the passenger experience as long as it is getting money from them in the shopping mall.