Róisín Garvey (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We cannot be double-jobbing and be on the phone and a politician at the same time. We will get into trouble. It is great that Senator Gavan is talking to employees and union representatives. In case he is in any doubt, we have all been talking to union representatives and employees, so there is nothing really amazing about that. We have attended meetings with them individually and in groups all along. Senator Gavan speaks in such a way as to suggest Sinn Féin is the only party that cares. We will be keeping Shannon on the agenda for everybody. It is great that the Opposition likes to oppose everything, but we must look at solutions here and not throw random motions around the place just to get some attention.

Bringing Shannon Group under the DAA is a ridiculous notion. Does Senator Gavan want the DAA to be in charge of the scruff of grass in Kilrush? Does he want it to be in charge of Bunratty Castle and the Brendan voyage boat in Craggaunowen? Is it the job of the DAA to deal with heritage sites or assets in warehouses in Shannon? That is a ridiculous notion. Could we stop wasting time bringing in motions just for the sake of getting attention when it is not the focus?

All of us in this House, including Senator Gavan, are passionate about Shannon not just surviving but thriving and making it an international airport of the highest standards. We know Covid is here. That is nobody's fault and everybody is trying to do their best to get the airport back on its feet and shining again. As stated in the amendment, it is very important to have a proper examination of the future viability of Shannon Group. That is something useful that I could support. The viability of Shannon Group must be properly researched. Perhaps it would be better off just dealing with the assets and perhaps the airport should be a separate entity and then we could talk about bringing it under the DAA but until we get to that point this is a ridiculous motion. I rest my case.