Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

We all know that Aer Lingus must cut its costs but it is out of proportion for it to take 102 cabin crew out of Shannon when it is taking only 100 out of Dublin and Cork airports together. In the interests of balanced regional development the west depends on having connectivity through Shannon Airport for the sake of industrial development and of the society in the west and mid-west. With all due respect to him, the Minister of State present here has no brief whatsoever for transport. That the Minister for Transport did not come to the House to reply to four different Deputies on this issue of crucial concern to the people in the mid-west indicates how he views Shannon Airport.

I urge the Government to use its 25% share in Aer Lingus. What was the point of keeping a 25% share in the airline if it does not use it in the interest of balance for the country? The transatlantic routes are crucial to Shannon's survival. It offers very few flights into Europe. There are a couple of Heathrow connections which we had to fight to win back, despite the Government's having allowed them to be taken away. Transatlantic travel is crucial to Shannon. I urge the Government to insist that the cabin crew that deals with the transatlantic routes be based in Shannon. That makes sense. Many flights go in other directions from Cork and Dublin. The Minister should let us have our cabin crew in Shannon and a commitment from Aer Lingus to Shannon Airport.

There is no problem about opening up the customs pre-clearance facility at Shannon and it should be opened now. I urge the Government to insist that Aer Lingus do that. There is a domestic baggage claim area in terminal four in JFK airport and in Boston airport. There is no problem about opening the pre-clearance facility in Shannon for Aer Lingus passengers and this will not conflict in any way with the Dublin passengers. It is a falsehood to suggest that this is a problem.

The airline needs to keep a proper base of cabin crew in Shannon Airport and above all to respect the loyalty of the staff who have stayed with the airline despite opportunities to go. It is vital to the west that we have air connectivity. It is shameful that the Green Party while in Government does not stand up for balanced regional development in which it is supposed to believe. I hope the Minister for Transport will somehow listen to this debate and take this issue seriously because it is of vital concern to us in the region.

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