The programme for Government recognises the value of our aviation sector in supporting economic development, international connectivity and tourism via our airports. On 18 June, the Taoiseach said of Shane Ross, the former Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, "I don't think he gets the regions ... both Shannon and Cork have huge roles to play [if we are to be serious about] rebalancing the [State]." Today Shannon Airport is seeking redundancies. Some Shannon Heritage sites are closed, and others are closing at the end of August. There is no balanced regional development. The same company is keeping sites open in Dublin. When will the Taoiseach introduce legislation to rebalance our aviation sector and ensure we have balanced development across that sector?

Specific legislation in the aviation sector is not on the agenda in the short term. The Deputy's point about regional balance in economic development is part and parcel and at the centre of the programme for Government. We need to reorder the economic balance in the country in my view.

Urgently.

Aviation is in difficulty because of Covid-19, and there is no getting away from that. Travel advisories relating to Covid and the advice that one should not travel will have an impact-----

Shannon Heritage sites are staying closed.

We cannot have a debate.

-----but public safety comes first. There should be capacity to deal with the Shannon Heritage sites, particularly since we are encouraging people to holiday at home - staycation and so forth. Therefore, I would have thought quite a number of facilities can be made available for people to enjoy, as the Deputy outlined.