I am delighted the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, has announced that he will retain the public service obligation for the Kerry to Dublin, as well as the Donegal to Dublin, air routes. Following a public EU tendering process, the Minister announced that Stobart Air was successful in securing the tender to provide scheduled air services, subject to contracts being put in place. This new contract will run until 31 January 2017. Members will appreciate how important this is for tourism and business in peripheral regions, as well as the international connectivity it gives them.

The importance must be stressed because of the fragile state of the economy in recent times as a result of the recession. As things have started to pick up slowly but surely, it is hugely important to continue this for the period the Minister now envisages. I welcome it very much.