Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Of course, Cork is our second biggest airport. People are voting with their feet. We have seen an increase in passenger numbers out of all of those airports, Cork, Shannon and Knock, because people like flying out of them. Demand drives where airlines look to schedule flights. It is a little bit of a chicken-and-egg scenario.The airports in question are doing such a good job that they are attracting additional business. Government funding to the regional airports, including Cork and Shannon, has been really welcome. It is part of the Government's ongoing commitment to have better regional balance in aviation policy. I will request a debate with the transport Minister on that.

Senator Craughwell spoke about how Castlebar fared in the survey but he also about the referendums on 8 March. We had a quite lengthy debate on these when discussing the related Bills. I concur with the Senator that clear, factual, impartial information is needed. The Electoral Commission will be delivering literature to every house in the country, providing the facts and information to every voter. At the end of the day, it will be a matter for the Irish people to decide which way to vote in the referendums. That is part of our democracy.

Senator Dolan spoke about flooding in Roscommon and the designation of SACs. It might be worth submitting a Commencement matter on this matter because it is quite topical. I do not know how we would redesignate SACs. I assume it is not a straightforward process, but I take on board the points on how a reassessment can be carried out if the situation on the ground changes. I suggest a Commencement matter. If further information is needed, let me know.

Senator Malcolm Byrne requested again that we have a select committee on AI. I absolutely support his request because the work of such a committee could do would be very valuable. The AI Act we have seen at EU level is the first of its kind. We are moving in that direction. I have requested a debate in the House with the relevant Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, so we can go through more of this.

I support the Senator's call for more focus on the unified patent system referendum. Hopefully, there will be more focus on it once we deal with the referendums that are to be held first, in March. At least, it will be held along with local and European elections, so there should at least be a good turnout for it.

Senator Maria Byrne has asked for a debate on hospitality, which we will request.

Senator Clonan has called for the disabled drivers tax relief scheme to be updated. He made a point on the situation of David Digan. It seems a little ridiculous at this stage, so I support the call for an extension.

Senator Garrett Ahern has asked for a debate on Irish Water, including water pressure in Grange and a particular area of Knocklofty. I suggest that the Senator submit a Commencement matter as it is a specific question related to a local area issue.