It seems that promises made to develop regional businesses and so on are falling flat on their face, as it were, especially in terms of the two-tier recovery. The case of Norwegian Air is interesting. There was much hope in the regions in terms of the announcement from the US but it seems that there will be 12 flights per week from Dublin and that Dublin will get the bulk of the flights from Norwegian Air. Cork will get about three flights per week to Providence and it is not clear what Shannon or Knock will get, if anything. It seems to me that when one looks at the 27 million passengers that go through Dublin Airport, the 2.3 million through Cork and the 1.74 million through Shannon, it illustrates the incredibly lopsided economic development on the island and in this Republic. Under the Irish Aviation Authority (amendment) Bill, I put it to the Taoiseach that there is an urgent need to ensure a far greater balance in terms of services out of the regions as opposed to the capital.

This was under consideration for quite a long time, as Deputy Martin will be aware. I had the privilege of raising it with President Obama on two occasions in America and I am glad that, after quite a deal of difficulty, the decision was made. It was not all political, as the Deputy will be aware.

My understanding is that a number of airports throughout the country will benefit from this. Obviously, Norwegian Air is looking at how best that can be expanded. Its may be because of pre-clearance, I do not know. Obviously Cork is particularly hoping to avail of its best benefit from this. I believe Norwegian Air cannot use all of its larger aircraft at the airport due to the length of the runway. That is an issue that the airport authority will consider. Shannon, Belfast and Knock may also be considered in time.

I should say to the Deputy that every region of the country has shown growth. On the many occasions I have been in Cork, things are improving, as I am sure the Deputy will agree. This is a commercial decision that has the support of everybody. Let the flights begin, as they say. It is to be hoped Cork will continue to benefit from it in the time ahead, but we would like to see that benefit spread throughout the country, as the Deputy says. We have Belfast, Knock, Shannon, Cork and Dublin so it is to be hoped that people who wish to fly to America have regional spread and plenty of opportunity.