Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I also have had extensive consultation with various operators in recent days and there is great concern on their part, whether they be airline operators or leasing companies. They are worried about the fact that, for example, an Italian airline became insolvent owing Eurocontrol €17 million, which is an enormous amount of money. If a person was allowed to run up that debt to a bank there would not be much sympathy for the bank. I do not have much sympathy for Eurocontrol, which does not enforce the law efficiently. If Eurocontrol can ground an aircraft to secure payment of the charges it does not have to go after the other assets of a company. The company can go into liquidation and there is no great need for Eurocontrol to pursue it.

If departmental officials have an extensive consultation with operators they will be made aware of aspects of the Bill that might militate against the interests of Irish operators. Our priority is attracting and keeping jobs and business here. There are a number of very large international leasing companies operating out of Shannon and they are worried that the law will work against them. I welcome the Minister of State's plans for a consultation period. I will give the Bill my blessing to go to Committee Stage in the Dáil, though I appreciate there is a problem getting the Bill onto the Order Paper for the Dáil. This is an important issue for jobs in Ireland and people in this industry. I received a call from Mr. Seán Hehir this morning, one of many callers, who is managing director of AIG which insures many aircraft for leasing companies. He is worried about this legislation.