Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

On the subject of regional development, I wish to pay tribute to Ryanair in its facilitation of people flying in and out of the country. However, Ireland West Airport, Knock, has seen corporate bullying go too far. Ryanair opened a successful route between Knock Airport and Stansted Airport and easyJet opened an equally successful route between Knock Airport and Gatwick Airport. Ryanair then opened a route between Knock and Gatwick in competition with easyJet which forced the latter out of the market. Ryanair then stopped its service between Knock and Gatwick.

On this occasion Ryanair has overstepped the mark. What can we do, as legislators, against corporate bullying? If Ryanair continues to function in this fashion we will find balanced regional development difficult, especially in and around Knock Airport. Should the Competition Authority be involved? Can we legislate to ensure this does not happen again?