Last week the chairman designate of the DAA, Mr. Basil Geoghegan, was before the Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport. He said there were significant issues which still needed to be addressed regarding the new runway. He said, "We need clarity urgently on the new system for noise regulation at the airport." He went on to say the current restrictions could cost the economy over 17,000 jobs by 2037. For 18 months the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, has been promising legislation to deal with the competent authority for independent noise regulation at Dublin Airport and failed to deliver. As a consequence, the Government has failed to deliver much needed legislation on independent noise regulation at the airport. It is a serious issue.

The Deputy's time is up.

When is the Taoiseach going to take the Minister in hand and ensure he will his job instead of that of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan, in dealing with the Judicial Appointments Bill? If he spent more time in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport-----

The Deputy is spending too much time in asking his question.

-----in dealing with legislation relevant to his brief, that is, legislation which is much needed for the development of the economy and the country, we would be far better off.

The legislation to allow Fingal County Council to become the noise regulator at Dublin Airport has been promised and is expected to be published in the autumn session.

It has been promised for 18 months.

In the meantime, it should not cause the DAA to defer its plans to begin construction on the new north runway, work on which should begin immediately.