Derek McDowell (Labour)

Does the Leader share my concern about the resignation today of one of the SIPTU representatives on the board of the Dublin Airport Authority? This seems to raise two issues. First, the nature of the deal apparently made in Shannon where for the first time a State airport has moved to a point where we accept the argument made by Michael O'Leary and Ryanair that airports should pay airlines to use them. It also raises issues we foresaw when we debated the State Airports Bill about the relationship between the Dublin Airport Authority, which is effectively the successor to Aer Rianta, and the Shannon Airport Authority.

It is entirely inappropriate that there should have been virtually no consultation with the Dublin Airport Authority and little opportunity for it to discuss what is a very significant deal by any standards. It is a source of deep concern and a matter that should not be allowed pass without comment and inquiry.

With regard to Senator O'Toole's reference to Sinn Féin and the killers of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, it is a timely reminder to us that whatever its dealings with high-blown politics and political concepts, ultimately, when it comes to cutting a deal, Sinn Féin will always look after its own people first. We should bear this in mind.