Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for that comprehensive response. My remarks are made in the context of the Lisbon treaty of 2009 which made humanitarian aid a specific policy and gave it a legal remit. I am also speaking in the context of the diplomatic structure that has been formed, the European external action service, which has a remit for the delivery of humanitarian aid and has done so in respect of the earthquake in Haiti and is now doing it regard to the Arab Spring in terms of humanitarian aid, development and solidarity. A new imperative has come on board at this time.

There is no Atlantic hub so far. None of the areas the Minister of State has mentioned are near the Atlantic. Ireland is significantly better placed than anywhere else to be that Atlantic hub. Shannon has the facilities and it is time to prepare that template directly and present it to the EU and the United Nations where it can be argued so that Shannon and Ireland will be the net beneficiaries in that respect. It would be the ideal place for a country like Ireland which has such a good relationship worldwide in the distribution of humanitarian aid and Europe is by far the biggest donor.

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