Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I was present in the House when the then Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, announced that the break-up of Aer Rianta would represent a new dawn for Cork and Shannon airports, which would henceforth operate as separate entities. He assured Members, in justification for the dismantling of Aer Rianta, that both airports would become debt-free.

A Minister is usually quick to contribute to radio programmes when there is good news to impart. This morning, however, it was announced on "Morning Ireland" that the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, was not available to comment. It is understandable why he would avoid such comment. The rationalisation programme at Shannon Airport has been discontinued because it was apparently unsuccessful after 18 months. So many years after the initial announcement, there is great uncertainty in regard to the situation at Shannon Airport. If the Minister cannot speak on "Morning Ireland", perhaps he will come to the House and tell us what is happening with Shannon and Cork airports and whether the promises of the former Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, have been reneged upon.