The programme for Government includes a commitment that the Government will ensure Shannon and Cork Airports have greater autonomy and independence. As the House will be aware, the Minister has stimulated a debate, both within the Shannon and Cork regions and at national level, on the best ownership structure for these two airports going forward, in the context of continued State ownership. The Minister has visited both Shannon and Cork in recent weeks to hear peoples' views. There is a genuine sense of goodwill towards the airports in the two regions on the part of local tourism and business interests and the Minister has no doubt that Shannon Airport will grow successfully and continue to be a major support for the mid-west region.