Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The contributions of the Senators have reflected some of the issues in the Bill. I will pick up on the points Senators O'Neill and Mulcahy made on the objectives of the Bill regarding changes to Shannon Airport and Shannon development. Between 2006 and 2012, Shannon Airport lost two thirds of its passengers. That was the situation when we drafted the Bill. Last year, 1.4 million people went through Shannon Airport, compared to 1.39 million the previous year, showing at least stability with some signs of growth. So far this year, figures have increased each month, with a predicted growth of 10% for the year. This is all about trying to create an environment where two organisations have separate jobs, each with its own financial discipline and strategic objectives. With the leadership in place in the bodies, I am confident, as Senators Mulcahy and O'Neill said, that Shannon Airport will become a hub for more passengers and jobs as a result of what is happening here. The individuals involved will grasp the opportunities the Bill will provide and we will see further employment, passengers and growth in Shannon Airport.

When I walked in here with the Bill, one of my first thoughts was that Senator Barrett taught me transport economics for a full year. I have no doubt he will remind me of that on many occasions here in the near future. I am very much aware of the Senator's points on charging, statistics and the future of Cork Airport. As he knows, we have a policy on the aviation sector out for public consultation. When the public consultation is complete, the draft will return to me and we will publish it later in the year. Perhaps there may be an opportunity in this House to examine this aviation policy and consider the Senator's points in detail.

Regarding Senators' points on the pensions issue, whenever I sign an order I will do so conscious of the responsibilities this office confers upon me. I am acutely aware of the families of the people who are very concerned about their futures and the expectations they have regarding the pensions they thought they would have. The problem has been brewing for years, and Senator Darragh O'Brien acknowledged that it was brewing under previous Governments in which his party participated.