asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state if any circumstances are expected to arise in the early future which will occasion a reduction of staffs at Shannon Airport and Collinstown Airport.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon and Collinstown Airports.
I am not aware of any circumstances which are likely to arise in the early future necessitating a reduction of State staffs at Shannon and Dublin Airports. I am not in a position to speak for the airline operators at either airport or for other independent employers.
Is the Minister not aware that at the present time, both in Shannon Airport and in Collinstown, the gravest anxiety exists amongst the employees at the airports in question, and among their families particularly, in view of the statements made by him before the recent election when he described these airports and airlines as being only fit for millionaires? I can assure the Minister that there is the greatest anxiety amongst these people.
The Deputy is now making a speech.
Is the Minister aware that there is grave anxiety throughout the country in view of the statement made by him and of previous statements made by the Minister for Agriculture?
I am aware of this fact, that this anxiety only exists in the fickle and, apparently, unstable mind of the Deputy.