Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is welcome to meet them any time, and me as well. It is an open door. There is not a problem there at all. The Deputy knows that and knows how I open I will be with him on these issues. If he wants a meeting, he will have a meeting. This matter is too important for him to be able to undermine it or to wish to undermine it. This is an issue of national importance and information should be available to the Deputy of course, because of agreements that we have to act in the national interest on occasions of this sort.

The Deputy asked when we are going to see a Bill. I assure the Deputy that a draft Bill to give full effect to the EU airport noise regulation is a top priority for me and my Department. The matter is also being given priority attention in the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, which has an important role to play in regard to the effective interaction of the noise regulation and the planning regime. Until the Government is presented with this and has agreed a draft Bill for publication, giving a firm commitment on timing is an exercise in futility. It would be absurd to say it is going to be ready this month, next month or the month after. It is an uncertain course but is a matter of extreme and national urgency. It is a matter we will pursue with vigour and energy.

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