Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the House for taking the Bill this evening and for accepting the amendments. I am particularly grateful to Senators for their support and understanding, and for accepting the amendments put forward concerning the employee share ownership scheme for Aer Lingus, and the appeals process regarding decisions of the Commission for Aviation Regulation. As some Members of the Opposition noted, nobody is waiting with bated breath for the enactment of the Bill when it is signed by the President, but it is important legislation. It will allow us to ratify the revised Eurocontrol Convention which, in turn, will provide for the necessary institutional reforms required to achieve a uniform European air traffic management system for the control of general air traffic in European airspace at and around airports.

Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis na Seanadóirí as ucht an deis a thabhairt domh an reachtaíocht thábhachtach seo a bhaineann leis an Roinn Iompair a chur tríd an Seanad.