Sean Barrett (Independent)

I agree with the Senators who referred to the airport issue. We had a good debate here on tourism, during which we drew attention to the fact that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, wrote to the regulator in regard to airport charges and we gave the date requiring a 41% increase in them.

Was the bonus paid to the gentleman in question a reward for bypassing the regulator to get a 41% increase in the charges? The business of the three airports is down by 25% and productivity by 23% because they only reduced the staff by 2 to carry 25% fewer people. Bonuses in those circumstances are the same as bonuses which unfortunately we are stuck with paying to bankers who demolished 98% and 99% of the value of their banks. We have to fight that bonus culture. I ask the Leader to convey our thanks to the Minister, Deputy Varadkar.

Will he seek a debate here on the McCarthy report on the disposal of State assets? Its key part showed that State company after State company operates as an independent republic. As Senator Reilly said, they have played no part at executive or any other level in the economies in which everybody else in the country has participated.

I am concerned about No. 4 on the Order Paper. I have been critical in the past of the use of Article 25.2.2°, particularly regarding legislation in areas like transport. The Constitution entitles the President to read a Bill and sign it between the fifth and eighth day. If Departments cannot meet deadlines it is wrong that this House should be asked to intrude on the discretion and entitlements of the President. It should be one of the reforms we are all talking about. We should not impose on the kindness of the President.

Departments should meet the deadlines, allow her the full time to determine whether legislation should be referred to the Supreme Court and not rush the procedure. We should not stop the payment of people's pensions or social welfare. We should use Article 25.2.2° very sparingly in the life of this Seanad.