Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

Senator McDowell is quite correct and his explanation makes me twice as pleased that the legislation is as it is. If the Dublin Airport authority were to behave somewhat neglectfully towards Cork or Shannon Airports or have them lose out in certain carve-ups and so on, the Minister should intervene and reiterate that although Dublin is the big player, Cork and Shannon must be treated fairly as they set sail. This reinforces my conviction that the Minister must have the necessary clout to execute this intervention. I come from the west but represent Dublin and I know in my heart that Dublin has issues to deal with. The economic future of Dublin Airport is not in doubt and it will be brilliant. One can talk about bonds and so on but it is only necessary to consider the enormous traffic flow from Dublin, which will ensure it is an extremely profitable and successful airport. Shannon and Cork Airports must therefore be dealt with fairly by the Minister and Government and supported in every way possible. Senator McDowell has made a better case for the legislation than I could have done on the matter of the power of the Minister.