Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the announcement by Shannon Airport this morning that passenger numbers are up 21% compared to 2019 and up 22% on 2022. This is really good not only for Limerick but also for the mid-west region. There are currently 33 destinations available from Shannon Airport, with flights to 11 countries including the UK, the US and European countries. Certainly, the new routes announced today to Naples, Porto, Béziers, Newcastle and Liverpool are most welcome. A flight to O'Hare International Airport in Chicago will start in May. It is a good news story for the mid-west and for Shannon Airport. I compliment Mary Considine, the CEO, and the staff of the airport. As people are beginning to arrange their summer holidays, Shannon Airport is an airport that is very easily accessed. From parking a car to going through security, it is very easy to access.I wish the management team and staff at Shannon Airport all the best.

I support the call by Senators Kyne and Murphy to have a debate in the House on the hot school meals programme. There are two companies in the mid-west, which is my area, that are supplying hot meals to schools right across the country. It is really important that children are able to have a hot, nutritious meal in school. However, there has been no increase in the amount of money being paid to the suppliers to provide the meals. Companies with rising costs are finding it very difficult to keep providing the meals at the same price. This issue must be addressed. Will the Leader contact the Minister's office about it?