Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I mentioned to my good colleague from Cork, I flew from Cork Airport recently and found the experience to be really good. It is a fabulous airport which I have used on many occasions, as have an awful lot of people in the wider Munster area. It is not just a Cork thing. In saying that, I mentioned Shannon Airport, which is very close to me although the closest airport to my home is Farranfore Airport in Kerry. It also plays a very important role in the development of tourism in the south west and in enhancing connectivity from an economic point of view.

I compliment the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications. Often when I am locked away in my office on campus, I tune in to the proceedings of Oireachtas committees and I must say that the engagement the transport committee has had with the various stakeholders, particularly the airlines that service Ireland or those that should service Ireland more, has been very comprehensive. There are problems at a statutory level and at a governance level. Indeed, there are problems all over the place but there is also an ambition, particularly on the part of the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, who is from the west and understands the importance of connectivity, to make sure we are not left in the situation feared by Senator Buttimer. From a Munster point of view, we have a very comprehensive network of airports, all of which have a sustainable and bright future in the context of a new, sustainable aviation policy. I will relay Senator Buttimer's remarks to the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton.