Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I support the call for a debate on job creation when this can be accommodated into our schedule in a meaningful way and the appropriate people are able to come to the House. I reiterate my call that we should revisit Government policy and strategy with regard to the aviation industry. Yesterday I said we should look to incentivising the industry, perhaps focusing on the north Dublin area where there is a related infrastructure and many qualified personnel. We have heard a great deal about hangars No. 6 and No. 7, that the first has been de-tooled and that its present value is different from the original.

I said yesterday there was a big industry presence in aviation leasing and maintenance. Today, we read in the newspapers that one north Dublin-based company has a turnover of close to €2 million a week placing pilots and first officers with airline companies throughout the world. This is because of the reputation this country has in the area of aviation. I understand that company also places aerospace engineers. That is a single aviation company with a turnover of almost €2 million per week. It earned approximately €85 million to €90 million last year alone by placing staff. I ask Members to imagine what we could do in job creation if we were to focus our attention and incentivise this industry by way of a tax-free zone or whatever in the north Dublin area. The structure exists. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on this so that we can revisit Government policy and strategy in this regard.

A speaker referred to Government policy on smoking. Today is national no-smoking day and I hope it will help people who have the habit and that it will raise public awareness of cancer. I ask that Leader arrange a focused debate on prostate cancer-----