Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Devine raised the important issue of the public consultation process in respect of the Phoenix Park, which is a park of international renown. It is not just for the people of Dublin. It is important to get the consultation right. I cannot promise that the Minister will come to the House before the summer recess. If the Senator raises this issue as a Commencement matter, she might get an answer more quickly. She is right to raise the points she has raised. I thank her for that.

Senator Feighan referred to the continuing fun and frolics of the Brexiteers at the European Parliament. Their opposition to the playing of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" epitomises what they stand for. If one watches the video of what happened this morning, one will see that it was very unedifying. As Senator Feighan said, the EU is about bringing people together in peace rather than dividing them. The work of the European Parliament is about advancing mutual interests while having a real debate at the same time. I congratulate the Senator on the work he is doing to build bridges between North and South. He raised some issues in that regard.

Senator Reilly spoke about the Dublin Airport Authority in the context of proposed reductions in landing charges and fees. He referred to the importance of the airport as a gateway. Some people have expressed concern that it could become a choke point for our country as well. There is a need for the public consultation to be extended and kept open to facilitate a wider consultation on the matter and to ensure the knock-on effects on places like Cork Airport are outlined, debated and consulted. As the Senator quite rightly said, the number of people employed in the airport means it is a success story. While our tourism figures are healthy, there are concerns as we head towards Brexit. I think the points made by the Senator are valid.

I thank Members again for their contributions to the Order of Business. I hope we can have a successful debate on the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017. Senator Norris might reflect on that.