Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We face a huge problem with Brexit but if we all act responsibly, if everybody puts their shoulder to the wheel and if people will stop sitting on the fence and throwing abuse all of the time, we will make progress.

I welcome, and draw the Leader's attention to, the wonderful announcement by Shannon Airport today regarding the new service to Shannon by SAS, Scandinavian Airlines. SAS has been operating in Ireland for 50 years but this service will be important for the mid-west. It will give entrepreneurs and business people in the mid-west access to the Norwegian market and, through SAS, access to over 22 other airlines. It is a huge hub for us, a big opportunity for our business people and a huge opportunity for tourism in Clare, Galway, Kerry and the mid-west, which has been welcomed by the chief executive officer of Fáilte Ireland. A couple of years ago there was talk that Shannon Airport was going to be mothballed. There was much doom and gloom. A number of us stood up for Shannon when it was under pressure, including men and women from Clare and Kerry. It is good news for the mid-west on budget day. I congratulate those responsible for Shannon Airport and I ask the Leader to take note of that and ensure further supports are given to the airport, as required.