Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I was chairman of Fáilte Ireland North West for the past few years and intimately involved with the evolving development plan on both a regional and national basis. In that context, Members on both sides of the House have indicated that the air traffic controllers dispute constitutes a national crisis. I am not sure whether those involved, irrespective of how the dispute arose, are aware of the impact their action is having. Tourism Ireland will this month launch a significant multi-million euro plan to attract increasing numbers of tourists to this country. Owing to the fact that Ireland is an island nation, access is the key element of that plan. Consequently, emphasis has been placed on the development of regional and national airports to ensure people can access the country before travelling to the various regions. I plead with both sides to take account of the national interest and go to the Labour Court. I ask the Leader to use his offices to try to ensure the Labour Court would meet in emergency session if necessary because this is a matter of national importance. While it is not in any way diluting the right of people to strike, there are certain key services, one of which is air traffic control. Such a shutdown has an economic impact not just in Dublin, Cork and Shannon where the major airports are but also in the other areas of the country and presents a poor image. I do not fully accept what Senator O'Toole said about France. Unfortunately there is a culture of the public service in France going out on strike at the drop of a hat.