Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Mr. O'Leary and I might disagree on the tunnel. I understand the function of the tunnel is to address a health and safety issue when moving packages from one side of the airport to the other.

I am not sure of that. It has been suggested to me that that is the reason. It sort of makes sense. It is not unusual to find tunnels in airports where things move over and back. I do not see how that would slow things down and impede the working of the airport especially given that we built the north runway and continued to operate.

Pilot shortage is the next thing I want to ask about. I understand that there is a shortage of pilots and a shortage of pilot training facilities, which would impede Ryanair's expansion aspirations. Is that true? Would Ryanair consider opening a pilot training school in Shannon or Knock in order to increase the capacity of pilot training? I am sure that there are plenty of other airlines looking for pilots. Given Ryanair's success in carrying passengers, it might not be a bad idea.