Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I welcome into the Visitors Gallery Gabby Hagman from Idaho, who is here as part of a global experience programme. I wish her well during her time in Ireland.

I ask the Deputy Leader to facilitate a rolling debate on the importance of our aviation and hospitality and tourism sectors.

I do so today conscious that Ryanair has announced seven new routes out of Cork Airport and the location of its third aircraft in Cork. It is a welcome development. It is a vote of confidence in our aviation sector and in Cork Airport, but in particular, it is a signal to Government that it must continue to keep the supports in place for our aviation and hospitality and tourism sectors as they return to growth.

This is about job creation and retention, but it is also about Government continuing to support inbound tourism and connectivity. As we all now know and have seen, there is a pent-up demand for travel. It is also crucial we support balanced regional development in the case of our airports. That is why, in the context of the south of our country, Cork Airport is critical to the economic development of the region in a post-Covid-19 world. That is why the debate is of absolute importance. It is not about seven new routes. It is not just about a third aircraft. It is about jobs, connectivity and inbound tourism. That is why today it is important we congratulate Cork Airport but also that we, as a House, have a rolling debate on the matters I raised.