Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I respect the fact that the Minister's budget will be cut. We all face difficult decisions and responsible politicians on this side of the House understand that. However, his budget was not cut by 50%. Has the Department analysed how many of the regional airports will have to close as a result of a cut in their operational subvention of more than 50% in some cases? In light of the amounts involved, which are relatively small, for example, €600,000 in the context of a regional airport's budget, will the Department ensure that, although cutbacks are necessary, no regional airports will have to close before the end of the year because of the level of cutbacks it will apply?

See this speech in context