Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like others, I want to recognise and pay tribute to Professor Michael O'Keeffe. As Senator Conway said, he was without doubt one of the most recognised and renowned eye surgeons in the country. He is someone who also did a lot for premature babies in his time. I have heard from people who worked in neonatal units that he was often there at 6.30 a.m. or 7 a.m. dealing with babies before doing his other work. I would also like to pass on my condolences to the O'Keeffe family.

On Shannon Heritage, along with Senator Conway and others I have been working tirelessly to bring the situation to a conclusion. The facilities under Shannon Heritage, which include the Shannon Folk Park, Bunratty Castle and Knappogue Castle, are due to be transferred from Shannon Airport to Clare County Council. The council is willing, able and really wants to take on this business but in order to that, it needs financial help and support. We have talked about this matter in this House in the past. Clare County Council cannot, and the councillors will not, give sanction to the CEO to take on that business unless the council is given financial support from the State. The council does not mind whether that comes from the airport, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Transport or through other supports for the tourism sector but in order to protect this tourism infrastructure and to protect the employees, it is really important that it happens without delay. I have had numerous meetings about this. I ask the Acting Leader to arrange a debate on this issue, if not early next week then possibly the following week. I know that there are lots of meetings going on about this behind the scenes but we need to bring this to a conclusion. Workers have been left in a position where they do not know what is happening and from their perspective, we need clarity.