Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

This debate is about regionalisation and ensuring the implementation of regional policy. I note the Government's commitment to its spatial strategy, which it has stated here today. If the decision of Aer Lingus stands, and judging from the Minister's speech it looks like he will not make any effort to stop it, after next January there will be 33 flights to Heathrow from the north east corner of this island and five from the south west. This does not reflect regional policy and a commitment to ensuring there is investment in the regions.

In his speech, the Minister outlined how Heathrow is so important for connections to the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Without that vital connection, one will not attract investment into regions. We have heard that from the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance, which has briefed us all extremely well in the past number of days in Leinster House. The slots to Heathrow are very important. I am sure they are very important to Aer Lingus but more important to us as an island nation are the connections from Cork, Shannon and Dublin to Heathrow. I was extremely disillusioned today when I heard the Minister acknowledge that it is critical to retain connectivity and wish Shannon Airport Authority well in its quest to ensure connectivity to Heathrow. The Minister knows that with the Open Skies policy the Heathrow slots will become more valuable to Aer Lingus. Who is to prevent it from serving Washington or southern Spain with these slots? There is nothing to ensure the Heathrow slots for Shannon, Cork and Dublin airports will be retained. While the Government retained 25.4% ownership of Aer Lingus to protect those slots, I question the information available to the Government at the time of privatisation. I have reservations about the Government's aviation policy. A mess has already been created at Cork and Shannon airports. A promise was made that Cork Airport would maintain a debt-free and independent status which has not happened. Another promise on maintaining flight connectivity in the regions has also not been fulfilled. Will the Minister, as advised by Deputy O'Dowd, examine the public service obligation to ensure flight connections for the regions are maintained by Aer Lingus and regional development can happen?

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