asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether Aer Lingus and Aerlínte Éireann consulted him before adopting Irish Airlines and Irish International Airlines, respectively, as substitute titles; and if in view of the actions of the two concerns in assuming titles other than those created by Acts of the Oireachtas he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Airlines and Irish International Airlines.
25.
Mr. Ryan
The names Aer Lingus and Aerlínte Éireann were not, in fact, created by acts of the Oireachtas, except in so far as each company is incorporated under the Companies Acts. The name Aer Lingus, Teóranta, is mentioned in the Air Navigation and Transport Acts, 1936-1959 which, however, do not themselves create the name of the company.
I was advised of the adoption by the air companies of the added descriptions mentioned by the Deputy. These are not in substitution for the legal titles of the companies but are merely marketing descriptions, additional to the titles, adopted to assist publicity abroad. The legal titles of the companies are used in their timetables, tickets, accounts and reports and on their aircraft.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that new planes put into service by these companies have on them the only description, "Irish International Airlines"? Would the Minister not agree with me that when other countries such as Germany, Belgium and Holland can use the titles of Lufthansa, Sabena and KLM without losing the influence which they hope to gain in foreign markets, surely this country ought to use the Irish titles, first of all, and use the others, perhaps, in addition? It appears that the company, in many cases, is using the English alternatives in substitution.
That is not the case. The Company, for marketing purposes, makes use of the titles which they feel are most suitable to assist publicity abroad. The foreign companies are accustomed to use English titles quite freely. In the case of KLM it is Royal Dutch Airlines; and in the case of Sabena, Belgian Airlines. I think a balance is maintained by Aer Lingus in arranging to use titles which are in consonance with the development of publicity and markets abroad.
If some people had their way, there would be no planes there at all.