Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I accept the decision of the Cathaoirleach on the Adjournment matter I attempted to raise.

I have repeatedly asked the Leader for a debate on the aviation industry, not just in the context of Cork Airport. Union members working for Dublin, Cork and Shannon airport authorities have voted to take industrial action from 2 July next on foot of their concerns about deficits in pension provisions. Industrial action would have a profound effect on the travelling public and on workers at various airports. The Minister, who might not have responsibility for the Dublin Airport Authority, gave certain commitments when he took office. I want a debate on aviation matters. We have not had such a debate. The aviation industry is in huge crisis, not least because of the cost of fuel.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Finance and the Taoiseach to the House for an urgent debate on the national development plan and the programme for Government. As the Cathaoirleach is aware, the ESRI report was published today. Let us cut out the bull — the reality is that ordinary people are suffering. Home care packages are being cut, the school building programme is not going ahead and motorways are not being built. The reality is that people are suffering——