Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

If Aer Lingus had been left without competition, it would today cost approximately €400 to travel to London whereas now it can be done for approximately €19. Aer Lingus is a great company, but all the trimmings have been removed. It is now a get on, get off airline, which is fine as travellers get to their destination on time and in safety. I compliment Michael O'Leary. Despite his statements and small faults he has done good work.

Baldonnel Airport should be developed, at least for short hop and regional flights and flights to Europe. I have visited the airport on a number of occasions and while it will not become an international airport, it has great potential which should be realised. A new airport for the midlands should be considered. There is a huge amount of available land in cutaway bogs. An airport serving Athlone and the surrounding region could be built to cater for future needs. Tourist numbers to this country have doubled and trebled over the past 12 years. There is a need to develop this.

Britain's failure to join the euro is a disadvantage to tourism, although it means that costs here are more competitive. The competitive advantage enjoyed by other countries in the eurozone is levelling out. For example, the advantages enjoyed by Greece and Spain are being reduced. This will also happen in the case of Cyprus if it joins the European Union. The euro has created a level playing pitch. The costs there are less than here which is an important consideration.