Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I wish to tell a story about arriving in Shanghai Airport in Singapore a few years ago. The plane on which my wife and I arrived landed at the same time as two other jumbo jets. I looked to the left and to the right and said we would be at the airport all day. As we came to the immigration department I was impressed that every seat was occupied. There was no delay. The immigration authorities who questioned us were friendly. They asked what was the purpose of the visit and told us to enjoy our stay. I said we would have to wait to get our bags. When we got to the luggage area I was impressed that our bags were there before us.

When we got to the customs officer, who was a strong tough lady, she asked if I was aware that the death penalty existed for the importation of drugs into Singapore and if I had any. The answer to one question was "Yes" and to the other "No". I had to make sure I said "Yes" and "No". She examined us carefully and let us through.

When we got to the hotel the staff was waiting for us. When we required a driver he said he would be back in two minutes. We waited and he got his car. When we got into the car he asked me to tell him about our experience at the airport. He inquired about the immigration department. I described it and he said, "Good". He asked if our bags were at the luggage area before we got there and I said they were to which he responded, "Good". He asked about customs and I told him. He said we may have noticed that when he picked us up he did not pull up at the kerb but waited until we arrived and there was no delay.

He said that last year Shanghai Airport came second to Schiphol Airport in the competition for the best airport in the world and it was determined to win this year. The areas where they lost marks were in those I have mentioned. For example, when drivers came to pick up their passengers they double parked and treble parked and there was a delay. The people of Singapore agreed not to double park. They wait for their passengers and then pick them up. One may ask why I am relating that story. It shows the commitment of the people of Singapore to win that competition and they won it. They have won it practically every year since then.

I am taking pains with this issue because we have to achieve what has been achieved at Shanghai Airport. If we can manage to take a national pride in Dublin Airport which is the main gateway to this country, that would be the solution. Responsibility for that rests with the Government, the Taoiseach and the Minister.

We are not proud of Dublin Airport and what is happening there. Irrespective of who owns it and whatever the commitment, the real answer is to create that pride. It is capable of being created. The onus of responsibility to do so rests with the Government and the Minister. There is no point in blaming unions or ownership. Unless we achieve pride in the airport a valuable national asset will be lost.

Everybody coming in to Dublin Airport is a potential business investor, whether a tourist or whoever. I want to see a sense of pride coming into those who provide a service at the airport. It can be achieved but not if we delay, wrangle and do not take responsibility. It is in the hands of the Government and the Minister. I urge the Minister to immediately grab hold of that opportunity.