Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Minister said he is negotiating a transition deal for Shannon. A transition deal is not only one for Shannon but is one for Ireland. Is it in Ireland's interest in the context of an open skies policy, given that new destinations are being sought by airlines on both sides of the Atlantic, throughout Europe and America? New routes, destinations, airports and countries are being sought. If that consolidation takes place and these new routes are sought out within the transition period, will we not be effectively putting ourselves off the pitch for three years and hugely disadvantaging Ireland? Is the Minister satisfied that will not happen?

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