Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I reiterate the call for a debate on the State Airports Act, which related to the separation of responsibility for Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports. The House will be aware of the difficulties encountered recently at Shannon Airport, where staff have effectively rejected the proposed business plan, as set out in the legislation as a requirement for separation. This is creating particular disquiet, not just among workers and management within the airport environs but in the wider tourism community. It is important the Minister should be brought before the House to discuss this with us as his predecessor did so in respect of the enactment of the legislation. We need to know what provisions the Government will put in place to ensure that this stand-off, in effect, will not affect the travelling public in the west and the potential for tourism.

On a related matter, I support what Senator White has said, particularly as regards Americans and tourists from around the world who visit Ireland, and especially the west. I attended the opening of the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre last week. When one sees the type of funding now being put in place by the Government, with assistance from Europe, in developing the tourism product and infrastructure, it would be particularly sad for Ireland, which was renowned for its céad míle fáilte reputation as a country of welcomes, that if, through some type of unfair insurance practice, people who for many years had saved their money to come here, perhaps in their later years, were precluded from doing so. It is a case of commercialism gone mad. The insurance sector is making a great deal of money at the moment and thankfully insurance charges are decreasing. However, we cannot allow this type of practice to continue or get out of control. I should welcome any debate that might seek to end this practice.