Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

Last week I called on the Leader to arrange a meeting with regard to the State Airports Act. The Minister for Transport should come to the House as a matter of urgency to discuss the State airports and aviation policy in view of the events of the past week. The implications for the State airports of the proposed takeover of Aer Lingus by Ryanair could be profound in that Ryanair has objected to Fingal County Council with regard to the second terminal at Dublin Airport on the basis that it believes the terminal to be too expensive. If Ryanair takes over Aer Lingus, it will put back the timeframe for the development of a terminal.

Members have raised an issue in the House over several years which is of concern to all in this country and which the Government has addressed, namely, insurance. Three to four years ago, we heard every week from the Opposition that the cost of insurance was rising and of the effects of this on household and business insurance. The cost is now falling at a tremendous rate. I am aware of one company whose premiums have dropped by 57% in the past two years. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment should come to the House to discuss the final parts of the PIAB that remain to be dealt with.