asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the charges to travellers for accommodation at Shannon Airport are the subject of adverse comment and are considered excessive; and, if so, whether he will state if these charges have been fixed so as to help to offset the over-all loss in the maintenance and running of the airport; and, if this is so, whether he will request the operating company to arrange that the charges be moderated to accord with the standard of facilities provided and the actual cost thereof.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Airport Charges.
The Deputy apparently is not here.
Neither is the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
I am not aware of any adverse comment about the charges for accommodation in the passengerhostels at Shannon. The charge fixed for accommodation to passengers and others is not intended to offset any part of the cost of operating and maintaining the airport, but is designed to recover over a reasonable period the cost of erection and furnishing of the hostels. The hostels, which were constructed in response to representations by the airlines, are operated by the catering comptroller on my behalf.
Is it, in fact, the case that the airport is costing about £500,000 per annum over and above the receipts we are getting?
I just do not believe it.
I am asking the Minister if it is not a fact, as recorded in an answer given in the House by his colleague who is now absent, the Tánaiste, that the average loss on the airport since it was founded amounts to between £400,000 and £500,000 per annum and can there be any question of reducing the charges while these losses continue?
I think that is a separate question, but it is very interesting to note that apparently Deputy Flanagan is a jackal for Deputy Dillon.
Is it in order for the Minister to say that one Deputy is a jackal for another?
No, it is not. Such expressions should not be used.
I am merely noting the fact——
Is the Minister being asked to withdraw the remark?
The term "jackal" is not in order and should be withdrawn.
I withdraw it. I used it in the purely figurative sense, that Deputy Dillon prepares the balls for Deputy Flanagan to fire.