Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I have so little time I do not know where to start. Two important issues which the report does not address were raised by previous speakers. The fishing industry was referred to by Senator Daly while Senator O'Toole spoke about cottage industries. The Minister should take on board that the inland fishing industry is an important one that requires additional funding. He should examine this area in tandem with cottage industries which have been completely put out of business. Many people come here for brown bread, the baking of which is a dying art and should be preserved. Local produce is promoted in other countries.

I welcome the report and wish the Minister well in implementing its many findings. There is, however, an over emphasis on Dublin in the report. Several references are made to Dublin Airport but I did not notice any reference to another airport other than Shannon. The metro link to Dublin Airport also comes up, as does a national stadium, a national conference centre and the completion of the M50. If all these projects are to be completed, little funding will be left for regional development.

People who come here for fishing do not have to come to Dublin; they can fly into other airports, as Senator Daly pointed out. The Minister needs to examine the issues raised by Senator Daly and Senator O'Toole.