Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

It would be remiss of me not to mention Galway Airport. I am grateful that the Cabinet has made a decision to fund the airport for this year but it provides us with a major challenge because to attract new airlines one must offer a three-year contract. I accept what was said about creative solutions. I listened carefully to what Senator Feargal Quinn said, that Galway Airport could be on its last legs. The airport contributes €31 million to the broader economy. The medical device sector in Galway attracts doctors from all over the world. They said that they would not have come were it not for the direct flights into the region. Last year alone one of those medical devices companies said it brought in 450 doctors to look at its new equipment. The medical devices sector is an injection into the arm of this country when it comes to exports. I encourage the Government to keep an open mind on Galway Airport. Locally, we will do everything to look at the issue.

I support what my colleague, Senator Bradford, said about the need for a rolling debate in the Chamber on electoral reform.