Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Kieran O'Donnell referred to the issue of Shannon Airport and the importance of it having a European major hub. This is an important point. Obviously we are from competing counties, with regard to Cork and Shannon, but Senator O'Donnell made the point that aviation policy should be made irrespective of where one is from. Dublin has now become the overriding part of aviation policy, which is not good for our country. Any of us who travel and use airports recognise that it has become almost unpleasant to travel through Dublin Airport. This is not because of the staff. It is due to the volume of people going through the airport. It is my view that we cannot have an overdependence on Dublin Airport. I would happily have the Minister come to the House to discuss aviation policy. As Senator O'Donnell has rightly said, aviation policy has an impact on balanced regional development and on tourism. I would be happy to have that debate. I note that the managing director of Cork Airport, Mr. Niall MacCarthy, appeared yesterday at the Seanad Special Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. Mr. MacCarthy spoke about Brexit readiness and about having no need to panic. It is critical that we understand the importance of Cork and Shannon airports and that they are the key economic drivers of regions. I would be happy to have the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, come to the House to discuss that.

I have responded to Senator Warfield and Senator Noone. Senator Ruane also referred to Greta Thunberg.

Senator Mulherin raised the issue of the regulator and the statement today. I believe the Senator has made a good point in that the regulator should make that decision if we want to see investment in renewable energy. Obviously, it is beyond my remit or that of the House, but if we want investment in renewable energy and if we want to retain and achieve our targets, then it is important that decisions are made.

Senator Ó Donnghaile referred to immigration checks at the Border. I am not familiar with that issue, but it is disconcerting if there is a pointed and concerted attempt at investigation and checking of people, which I hope is not happening to the extent the Senator has said. I am not saying that it is not happening but it is important there is commonality of approach. Again, I would have the Minister come to the House to discuss that.

Senator Lombard spoke of the new Garda policing model being unfurled today and announced by the Garda Commissioner. The Senator referred to the amalgamation of the west and north Cork Garda divisions, which does not make any sense to me. Cork city was a pilot in the new community policing model, which is part of what is being announced today. Senator Lombard and I are from the largest county in Ireland and we know full well the scale of the job, given the geographical distances. Having a division based out of Macroom serving north Cork and west Cork makes no sense. It is important that the resources we have are brought into policing on the ground.

Senator Mullen raised the issue of the meeting to create safe zones. I am aware that the master of the National Maternity Hospital wrote to the staff about a particular protest that is being held. Whether one calls it a 40-day prayer vigil or a protest, that is a matter for people themselves. I put it to Senator Mullen that I do not believe that it is appropriate for anybody - whatever their view - to protest outside a maternity hospital or anywhere close to it.