Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While I understand the Minister's explanation, I agree wholeheartedly with Senator O'Sullivan on the signal it sends about the future viability of the airport. I take the Minister at his word that it could be re-established in the future. The Minister mentioned that the Cork Airport Development Council committee met in March. Was that its first meeting? Is it mandated to have four meetings a year? How often does it meet? It is not on a statutory footing. What role has it been asked to carry out? How often has it been asked to meet and could it fizzle out? If we are serious about developing the airport as a hub for the south-west region, I would like the Minister to expand on it. Was the March meeting the first one? Is it due to meet again this year and what is the structure of it?