Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am talking to amendments Nos. 86 and 93, and have mentioned the Minister's erstwhile colleagues in the confidence and supply agreement. I have said before that it is all supply and no confidence. That was clear last night when only a small number could be mustered for the votes.

People have concerns about this because they live beside the airport. I live a long way from it, although I use the airport occasionally. However, I have been in houses in Finglas and other such places and I know that the noise is intrusive. We cannot just keep heaping it on. Other airports in the country could be developed instead of forcing all airplanes into Dublin. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, should consider the regions. These amendments do not deal with them, but other amendments do. Everything is Dublin-orientated, and the people of Dublin are entitled to a modicum of rest. They should be able to perform their duties in the morning, whether they be nurses, doctors or anything else, after a night's sleep. Sleep deprivation is a war crime in times of war, so it must be respected.

Big businesses do not like financial penalties. They seem to be able to do what they like in this area. We seem to want to tickle them, or rub butter in a fat you-know-what. I question the Minister's competency in bringing this legislation t

hrough. The attitude to the country people previously was to hell with them and croppies lie down. This Bill is meandering around and he does not have a single Member supporting him.

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