Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

The standards were even higher in Napoleon's time. I know there is an issue about cruelty to animals but I will not get into that. It is a good fair and is very important to Ballinasloe and surrounding areas.

The Minister said he was in discussion with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, regarding new air routes. He has also spoken about the proposals for a second, independent terminal at Dublin Airport to cater for up to 30 million passengers annually. It is marvellous to see companies, principally Ryanair, advertising free flights. I have spoken to young people who said they never thought they would see free flights being offered – I thought it was the kind of thing one would win in a competition.

I welcome the reduction in prices we have seen and the introduction of free flights. The only difficulty with free flights and new routes is the question of terminals. That is why it is important the Government should work on this. I know it wants to cater for low fare airlines. I understand the new terminal at Dublin Airport is to be completed in 2004. This is a very important issue when one speaks of choice of airlines and strategic steps to assist tourism. I hope it will result in additional routes. I know Dublin Airport is not within the Minister's remit but something has to be done about it. We are all aware of the large amount of traffic that goes through it.

The Minister referred to the Special Olympics World Summer Games, an event that has seized the imagination of people in small towns throughout the country. An estimated 7,000 athletes, 3,000 coaches and delegates along with 28,000 relatives and friends will travel here next June from 160 countries. The nearest host town to me is Mountbellew, a small town which is to host athletes from Ecuador. Local committee members have taken Spanish lessons to help the athletes settle and I commend them on taking that initiative. Of the 30,000 volunteers needed 15,000 have been recruited. It will require more effort to find the remaining volunteers and I hope the campaigns taking place are successful.

I have written to local authorities in my county and the health board establish if help can be given to athletes. The chief executive officer of the Western Health Board informed me that it would be helping three athletes from County Mayo. I was glad to hear that as it is a very positive step. I hope the same support will be forthcoming from the local authorities. It should be a very special event. I know there is great enthusiasm for it and I hope it will be successful.