Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I am ensuring a future for Shannon Airport. There is no question of this, particularly on the transatlantic routes. The future is to go and get new business. Unfortunately, with all due respect to Deputy James Breen, if one follows the logic of what he and others are saying, they will crucify and kill Shannon Airport, ending its future. They are trying to hold on to some form of protectionism which is over and done with. They must have confidence in Shannon, working with me to get a deal and encourage the airport to get into new American city routes. The opportunities are there to expand into America. Are Deputies telling me that Knock Airport is in a better position to expand into America? The Deputy would want to get into the programme and come into the future. He should stop trying to crucify Shannon on an issue that will finish it.

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