According to media reports, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, brought a memorandum to the Cabinet meeting today proposing primary legislation to replace existing laws on noise restrictions with less restrictive EU regulations dating from 2014. This is a major issue for those who live in the environs of Dublin Airport and are anxious to have noise restrictions retained as per the planning permission granted in 2007. Will the Taoiseach confirm that it is the intention of the Government to disregard these noise restrictions? Will he advise us when we will see the legislation spoken about in the media today?

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, will make a more detailed statement on this issue later. It was agreed at the Cabinet meeting today to offer Government support to the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, to commence construction of a new north runway. It is very important for the economy, tourism and business that we increase capacity at the airport. We want construction to start within the next couple of months and today gave our support. There is a new European noise directive which supersedes previous laws. The Minister will, through primary legislation, turn the new European directive into Irish law. That is what is required. Fingal County Council will be given the role of noise regulator for the airport.