Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the debate on the Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) Bill 2005. Before I go into the details of the legislation I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, on his new appointment, and wish him well on his new transport portfolio. I ask him to keep an eye on a major infrastructure project in my area, the Dublin Port tunnel, and particularly the needs of residents and public safety issues in the tunnel. He should not take it personally when I raise these issues inside or outside the Dáil, and he should not be as sensitive as previous holders of his office. The tunnel now exists. We wish to ensure that people are compensated for damage to their homes, and we also want to deal with the cracks and flooding issue.

This debate is important, as there are major changes every day in our society, especially in air traffic, air traffic control and flights generally. It is now a major issue in Irish society and for the development of the country as a nation and an economic unit. Air navigation, flights and aeroplanes and all matters to do with the industry are very important. There is also a strong international dimension.

Taking into account the valuable work of those involved in air traffic control and the responsibility they hold, it is clear we should take the matter seriously. We must support these people, as it is a difficult but responsible job, especially when one considers the volume of traffic involved compared to 20 years ago. Along with air traffic control and the aviation industry, we should remind ourselves of health and safety matters. I will return to this point later in the debate. In debating air safety, or narrowing the focus to cheap air flights, there can be no shortcuts, even if it costs extra to ensure maximum public safety. That is where the buck stops. I hope we will focus on such issues. There appears to be a debate on whether shortcuts can be used to reduce cost while leaving everything okay. That is not a reality, and people should be conscious of this.

In discussing the aviation industry, it is important to respect and listen to the people directly involved, specifically unions in airports, air navigation and the broader aviation industry. Up to this point there has been a bad record of the treatment by senior management in some of these industries. Ministers also appear to have an attitude problem with regard to unions. People in the private business community also need to come into the real world. In 2006, everybody in these industries should work together and respect each other's position. This is particularly relevant for staff who have a deep knowledge of the issue.

I wish to discuss Dublin Airport, a very important hub on the northside of Dublin, which we should consider in a realistic fashion. We should consider the airport in its entirety and deal with overcrowding. We should wake up to the reality that radical changes are needed. We should respect the needs of people living close to the airport, particularly on the northside, relating to issues such as noise pollution. Parts of my constituency are directly affected by Dublin Airport. We should respect the environment and the community, and we should have a common sense approach to the economic development of the State and Dublin city.

In discussing an air navigation Bill such as this, it is important not to leave out Aer Lingus. It is important to acknowledge the significant contribution to Irish society made by Aer Lingus over many years. I commend those who have been involved in the company over the years. Many of us have family members who have worked there and we could see at first hand the job security and family stability provided by the company, particularly in times such as the 1980s when the Celtic tiger did not exist and the economy was on a downturn.

Thousands of people in Aer Lingus made a significant contribution to Irish society. It is important to recognise the valuable contribution from staff and others involved with the company for many years. In dealing with changes, staff should be brought along and issues must be dealt with for the positive development of the air industry in general.

It is important to discuss Shannon Airport in the context of this Bill. It is an international airport that needs to be supported and developed, as do the surrounding regions. There is a serious question on whether we will allow Shannon Airport to be used for the war in Iraq and there is an issue regarding prisoners coming through the airport. The Government has questions to answer on this issue. It should search those aeroplanes to find out what is going on.

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