Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

I echo the sentiments of Senator Cox and would welcome a debate on the future of the Great Southern Hotels. Such a debate is long overdue. Only 18 months ago these Houses gave a remit to the airport authorities to compete independently of each other. The Dublin Airport Authority has now set out its stall on where it wishes to go. Its core business is in developing Dublin Airport to meet the demands of over 1 million new passengers per year, including building a new terminal.

The 2 million workers in this country would be amused by the notion that this or any Government would be involved in running hotels. It is outlandish that a premium brand like the Great Southern Hotels, in premium locations, should be making a loss. The Government does not want to be the parent of an unwanted child, allowing it to wilt and eventually be put up for a fire sale. It is now time that this unhealthy flower be allowed bloom in the sunshine of a thriving economy.