Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I question whether the fundamentals of the industry are as good as they might have been when the report was written. If one was writing the report today it might be a different one. The report described the issues impacting on the industry in the west generally as the perfect storm. The potential of the open skies policy has been negated by the economic downturn and the price of oil among other factors. The concentration has been on the North American market where we thought the potential lay for next year but we should accept that may not be the case. I do not know whether the Minister is aware that in recent months six American airlines closed for business completely and a seventh airline sought protection under chapter 11. Perhaps we should turn our attention to marketing the new Air France route and the variety of Ryanair-provided routes into Europe.

A steering group was set up to carry out a feasibility study on a conference centre for the west of Ireland. It seems there is huge potential for business tourism for a medium-sized conference centre. We will have to concentrate on specific areas. The west can attract niche business, as is the case in the rest of the country. Has the feasibility study been completed and what has happened to it? Although the study was promised at the time the open skies deal was done, it appears to have fallen off the agenda.

I am sorry that the questions are so long. No matter what question I ask about the customs and border protection facility I cannot seem to drag any information from the Government about it. The provision of that facility here is important as it would give us penetration into other American cities. When will the facility be provided? Is it possible to bring the necessary legislation forward so that we can fast-track that facility? Is the reason for the delay the lack of physical infrastructure at the airports to carry out border checks or what is the hold-up? My two questions are on the conference centre and the customs and border control facility.

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