Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact that there will be 37 extra special needs assistants, SNAs, in Limerick in both primary and secondary schools in the coming academic year. It is a 42% increase on 2011 and will bring the number of SNAs in Limerick to a total of 606. Education is vital for the future of primary and secondary school students and this is very welcome news.

This week, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, announced there would be a third terminal at Dublin Airport. I hope this will not be done at the expense of Shannon and Cork airports. Project Ireland 2040 places great emphasis on providing a counterbalance to Dublin on the western seaboard. Development is needed outside Dublin because the capital is oversubscribed, so to speak. The announcement of a third terminal and runway for Dublin Airport raises the question of whether this will be at the expense of airports in the west. I understand a report on the development of State owned airports up to 2050 is to be released shortly by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to the House when the report is published to debate the development of airports. We must ensure the western seaboard is not forgotten, especially Shannon Airport.