Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has made a good point regarding a revision of the scheduling.

I thank him for the reply. Comprehensive work on our aviation policy is required. It is critical that we build on the success of our aviation sector to date because aviation plays such an important role for us. It enhances connectivity which leads to job creation and economic development. The Minister of State was correct in his off-script remark that Shannon and Cork airports are important. Everything cannot go through Dublin Airport and everything cannot be about Dublin. It cannot just be the hub airport; we must develop our regional airports..

The final point I would make is that the inclusion of airports like Cork in any consideration of airport funding is critical. It is within the Government's gift to support the airports at both Cork and Shannon. As we all know, money talks. It helps to build connectivity and routes, increase development and attract investment.

I thank the Minister of State for being here this morning.