John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the publication of the consumer report yesterday and the announcement by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment that he plans to introduce the new consumer watchdog. However, it is disappointing that any proposed legislation is due to be delayed for another year. For the past few years, Fine Gael has been highlighting this issue and I am glad the reasoned voices within the Government seem to have got the upper hand over people like the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, who said consistently that we should keep our mouths shut about consumer rip-off in Ireland.

I agree with Senator Cummins about the dithering which has taken place for the past few years on the building of the second terminal at Dublin Airport. I am surprised that the idea of a third terminal is still being floated when the Government is now determined to build a terminal which it knows is already inadequate. I do not know why a second terminal cannot be built on a suitable site which will allow expansion in the future. I am disappointed the line expressed by Senator Morrissey and his party seems to have been drowned out on this important issue.