Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairperson, Senator Pauline O'Reilly, for accommodating me by taking over the Chair in order that I can make my contribution. I welcome the Minister of State. From the west of Ireland perspective, the Minister of State and I have supported Galway airport in the past and we continue to support the important Knock Airport, also known as Ireland West Airport.

This is a technical Bill. I do not propose to get into the technical detail of it, but like other Senators I will make some points that have probably been made already. It is important to acknowledge the really difficult time the aviation sector has had, but we must also acknowledge the Government supports provided to it. Crucial and difficult decisions had to be made, some of which I have no doubt meant the future of our airports hung in the balance. Without Government support, they would not have survived but they have a long way to go.

I am confident in saying today that our airports and air services can grow in stature. As an island country, we have to ensure greater growth in and use of our regional airports. The Minister of State is very aware of that. It is regrettable that Galway does not have an airport, but Ireland West Airport means so much to the country. Without it, the west would not be in the position it is now. We have many problems but we would be worse off if we did not have Ireland West Airport. In regard to customers, Ireland West Airport is important in terms of the many people who travel weekly to London, Manchester and parts of Scotland for work and return home at weekends. That still happens a lot. The availability of these services is important. I again acknowledge the supports provided by Government for this sector, but I reiterate that it is important we grow our regional airports, which is a point I am sure the Minister of State will make to the Government in her discussions on the sector. We can grow our aviation business considerably.

I take on board Senator Pauline O'Reilly's point in regard to the environment and air travel. One of most favourable comments I heard over the last year was that owing to the lack of aeroplanes there was less pollution. Air travel is important for us as an island nation, but I think we are going to see significant changes in the type of fuel used. Air travel needs to become environmentally-friendly. I am sure there are ways that can be done. As I said, we have to ensure there is growth in our air services.

I want to speak about air cargo. Less than 2% of products leaving this country do so by air. We have a magnificent team promoting Ireland and Irish food abroad, but one wonders why we do not make greater use of air cargo, particularly for food products. That could significantly improve our food exports, which are pretty good at the moment.

Like others, I am concerned about the commentary of air traffic controllers. As a nation, we do not think deeply enough about the important role of air traffic controllers. We talk about our ambulance service and first responders and the responsibility attached to that work, and rightly so, but, as a nation, we should show the same respect and consideration for our air traffic controllers. We do not do that, myself included. Perhaps we take them too much for granted. Air traffic controllers have raised concerns in regard to fatigue and their working conditions. We need to address those concerns. We need to look after them properly and make sure they are never under stress. Air traffic controllers have one of the most responsible jobs worldwide. They take responsibility for the millions of people who travel every day.I want to use this opportunity to support calls to ensure that those people are sorted out.

As I said, we have reason to be positive after a very negative term during which we all worried seriously about air traffic, the loss of jobs and the possible collapse of the industry. We have got over the hump. There is no doubt that we have a lot to do to address the issue, but generally we can look to the future with positivity. I am prepared to be positive today. I welcome the Bill, even though it is quite technical. I hope it will be part of the progress for aviation going forward.