Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The arrangement regarding Shannon Airport has been in place for decades between both countries. It operates to a pretty clear protocol in terms of the conditions of the use of the airport. The Government does not have any proposals to change that.

Regarding racism, the Taoiseach made comments yesterday and I made comments today. We will have an opportunity to have what I hope will be quite a lengthy debate on the matter next week in the House. I hope I will be able to speak to make very clear the Irish Government's position, which I think will mirror the position of the vast majority of Irish people, who have been shocked by the images they have seen coming out of the US in recent days. These are dangerous times and they have been triggered by the brutal killing of an unarmed individual, an image that has, I think, shocked many people, not just in the US but in other parts of the world as well. That is why we will, I hope, provide clarity in political leadership terms as to how we should be responding as a country. We should take a look at ourselves and make sure we are credible in how we respond to issues of racism and marginalisation in Ireland. We should also be clear and blunt in our criticism of what is happening in the US. I do not think Deputy Pringle will find any problem getting clarity from the Taoiseach or me on these issues.

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