Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I am astonished by the actions of the Irish Aviation Authority and the air traffic controllers. This dispute has damaged many industries, including tourism. One would have to sympathetic to those who, as a result of flights being cancelled yesterday, missed appointments, examinations, etc. All we can do is appeal to both sides to return to the negotiating table to resolve the matter. There should be no further strikes. The difference between this country and France is that people are not so reliant on using airports in order to gain access to the latter because there are other means available to allow them to do this. Ireland is an island nation and relies heavily on air traffic controllers to keep it running. Our airports are of strategic importance and we will support the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, in whatever action he deems it necessary to take in order to resolve the matter.