When the Minister was replying he did not answer the fundamental part of Deputy Prendergast's question, which was whether the completion and operation of this runway would hinder or affect adversely the operation of Ireland's only transatlantic airport at Shannon. What is the Minister's attitude to the airport at Shannon? Will these proposals for the new runway at Dublin airport affect Shannon adversely?

This is a great chestnut of the Deputy from Clare. I admire the diligence and enthusiasm with which he represents his constituency. I assure him again, as I have assured him many times, that the status or role of Shannon is not in question. It is the only gateway to the Atlantic from Ireland and it will remain so.