Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Boyle might accept that much corporate activity is extremely legitimate in terms of foreign direct investment into this country. We rightly must take account of the situation.

Nuclear, marine and property insurance matters are excluded. However, war on terrorism cover has been provided for aviation activities and is a requirement of the new EU regulation, Regulation 785/2004. The Commission has not yet considered whether a change to the regulation is appropriate and we await its deliberations. The Bill is an enabling provision to allow the provision of cover. As an example, the United Kingdom has had legislation in this area for many years. I have given the name of the cargo airline company referred to by Deputies. Orders must be laid before the Oireachtas and either House may vote to annul them within 21 days, which is a normal arrangement.

On the points made with regard to Weston Aerodrome, the Bill does not deal with such matters. The Deputy raised serious matters with regard to airport security, which I am sure will be picked up during the debate. All appropriate laws which are already in place are being acted upon at whatever airport where this is necessary. We obviously want to ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place at every airport. As the Deputy rightly stated, the regulation and safety of flying at Weston aerodrome is a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority. I would be somewhat taken aback if the accusations made by the Deputy during the debate stood up. I hope they do not and would want to hear from the IAA that this is not the case. Section 5 allows the Minister to refuse an indemnity where licences are not in place as required.

In reply to Deputy Shortall, the airlines complied with the requirements and all payments have been made, except in the case of Ryanair, which is the subject of a court case.

That is the overall position. We must move quickly in this regard. However, each case will be considered very carefully. Companies will not come in and get cover without the fine detail being examined. The State will not necessarily take the entire insurance package. Cover will be specific and we will ensure that the State's exposure is minimal so as not to take cover from the commercial sector. The commercial sector will continue to cover a broad range of issues. We will be very precise on interpretations. We learned from the previous Bill in drawing up this Bill, with the result that some areas have been tightened up.

I accept we all have concerns about the need to enact the Bill in such a short timeframe. I appreciate the Dáil and Seanad's facilitation of the Bill because there is no choice if we are to keep Irish aviation flying. The Bill extends further than the previous Bill into areas concerning airports, baggage handling and other areas which would not have cover if the Bill were not passed. A great deal is at stake but, please God, we will not have to face the day where such a catastrophe would be visited upon our people in our aviation facilities or on our airlines.

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