Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I am referring to a report in this morning's newspapers. An interview was given by a Minister of State. I will not go into the detail of the matter. We have recently had long discussions in this House on Gama and other matters. We have all gone on the record. The Minister of State made an unfortunate error yesterday and has made an apology I am prepared to accept. However, it is also important that we express our disgust at the language of hooliganism, as I described it, that was used in this case. I will leave the matter at that in deference to the Cathaoirleach, although the issue requires more discussion.

I agree that we need an urgent debate on the airport and transport policy. There are different points of view. Mine differs from that of many in this House. I have never been convinced that the privatisation of Aer Lingus would bring us a better deal. I have not seen that happen in any other privatisation to date.

I agree with the concept of competition, on the other hand. I have listened to the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, who said that two competing terminals have never been successful in any airport in the world. There is a great deal of information in the ether. It is right that we have the Minister here to explain exactly what is happening, so we can offer our views on it and formulate a position on the future development of the national airline and the country's main airport. I ask that we have an early debate on transport.