Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Aer Lingus on its terrific announcement that there will be services all year round between Shannon and Chicago and New York. It is further indication that the Government's aviation policy of giving Shannon Airport its independence is working. It is a further boost to the good news we have had this week about the increase in tourism throughout Ireland, in particular from the North American market. When there is good news we should acknowledge it and acknowledge the senior management in Aer Lingus.

I call for a debate with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on rebuilding our international reputation following the tapes from hell which horrified all of us last week. The Minister needs to come to the House and outline to us what he is doing to restore our reputation internationally. We are being pilloried in the German media. One of the more conservative newspapers in Germany suggested some of the people involved in the tapes should be beaten with a stick until such time as they are senseless and not to stop beating them until the screams become too much for the Irish people to bear.