Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

The Minister is responsible for the entire country. The examples of Knock and Galway are quite parochial. With regard to the IFSC, that was a project which was due to take place. The problem in Shannon is happening now and is creating major problems for the west and the midlands. I do not see the Minister, his Department or anybody in the Government doing anything positive to allay the fears and concerns of the people affected. They have mortgage payments and school going children. Nothing is being done.

The Minister says lateral thinking will solve this. Lateral thinking for the future might do something but at present there is a major problem in this area. It is within the Minister's jurisdiction but he has done nothing aside from say that he spoke to representatives of Galway and Knock airports. If representatives did not approach the Minister, why did he not approach them? Why did he not try to see how his Department could help in this situation? It is inconceivable that the Minister should use the example of representatives of two airports meeting with him and the other, which has a major problem, not doing so. Why did the Minister not take the alternative of offering his services to that airport?

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