Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Leyden's point about the price of a pint. The increase implemented by Diageo is six cent, although it is expected that the actual increase will be 15 cent through a combination of factors. What should not be ignored, however, is the excessive duty imposed by the Government. For the working person, this is too much. There is one important factor we should all bear in mind, of which the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism is very conscious. We are pricing ourselves out of the market in the area of tourism. Anyone who goes to a euro zone country can see the difference in prices. The pint is an important component of the Irish pub experience. We should not lose sight of that fact.

I do not want to elaborate on what has been said about Aer Rianta, but the Cabinet has put off the decision until after the elections because its members understand there may be a reaction against it. Recent developments are creating much uncertainty. In the Shannon area, a committee that was formed last October was stillborn — it has not met or become involved in any activity. In parallel with the activities of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, the Tánaiste stated that she wants the Shannon free airport zone to be transferred to the new company, thus removing a revenue base of €6 million from Shannon Free Airport Development Company. There is tremendous resistance to these developments among all the American companies within the area and much uncertainty about the future role of SFADCo in the region. We need to discuss this with the Minister. Rather than having statements, the Minister should come to the House to answer questions. We must put the pieces of the jigsaw together in the House.