Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

That is a job for the airport. It is doing that job and should be encouraged to continue to do it, in conjunction with Shannon Development and the tourism bodies. I am not at all dismissive of the report mentioned by Deputy O'Donnell. The Government has invested €4.5 million in the mid-west region. If the Deputy can give me an example of another region of this country that has €4.5 million specifically earmarked for its tourism budget — to promote itself in the United States — I will take my hat off to him. It does not happen. Contrary to what the Deputy has implied, it is getting special treatment.

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