Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Buttimer raised the issue of upwards only rent reviews, which is of grave concern to many business owners who are concerned about the survival of their businesses. I will make inquiries in this regard. As the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is responsible for this area it could also be highlighted on Tuesday next.

Senators John Hanafin and Ann Ormonde called for a debate on the new mayor of Dublin. Under the proposed legislation the mayor will have a range of substantial powers to establish and deliver a vision for Dublin. This is to be welcomed. It is part of the programme for Government that the mayor will have powers to draw up strategic plans for land use, planning, waste management, water services and their implementation at local level. The Dublin local authorities will be obliged to comply with these plans. It is timely that we should have a debate. The views of colleagues in both Houses and in local authorities as to how the Minister and his Department can be assisted in implementing this innovative proposal will be very welcome, as Senator Ormonde said.

Senators Shane Ross and David Norris referred to yesterday's lively proceedings of the Joint Committee on Transport. I saw excerpts from the meeting on "Oireachtas Report" last night. I was disappointed that colleagues who excelled at the meeting were not featured in the transmission. Of course, everyone waited with bated breath for Senator Ross's contribution but we were denied it. Innovation and the creation of jobs is a serious challenge. Ireland has been proud of the success of Aer Lingus, carrier of the national flag and the shamrock throughout the world. In bad times, many of us were delighted to see Irish planes arriving at Kennedy Airport bearing the shamrock logo. Aer Lingus has excelled in that area. All airlines are going though a difficult time at present and every job is a godsend. We should do anything we can do to help Mr. Michael O'Leary. The Government and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment are doing everything humanly possible in this regard. Other hangars have been proposed. The lease has been signed, as Senator Norris has said, and the contract is in place.