asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of applications by American and other countries to operate charter flights into Shannon and Dublin which have been refused by his Department since 1st July, 1969; the reasons for the refusals; and if there was any loss of tourist traffic as a result of the refusals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Charter Flights.
3.
Five applications to operate charter flights into Shannon or Dublin were refused since the 1st July, 1969, because adequate capacity was being provided by the scheduled carriers on the routes on which the flights were to operate. No loss of tourist traffic is expected to result from these refusals. I understand that the scheduled carriers have carried the traffic in two cases and are in negotiation about the remaining three.
Has the Minister any evidence to show that there was no loss of tourist traffic as a result of the cancellation of these charter flights? Was an investigation carried out by Bord Fáilte?
Facilities were available at all stages from Aerlínte. As a matter of national policy it is important that Aerlínte should be given priority in this regard.
Were these people able to travel at the same cost on the scheduled services as they would have been on charter flights?
Companies all over the world are able to operate on scheduled services and still offer cut rates. Our first priority is to our national airline which is providing a scheduled service.
Will the Minister look into this in view of the fact that there is definite evidence of a significant loss of tourist traffic to this country from North America as a result of the fact that permission to a number of charter operators has been refused?
I think my answer has put the Deputy's question in perspective. Five applications have been received. With regard to two of them scheduled operators have carried the traffic and with regard to the other three negotiations are going on between our national airline and the people concerned.
Is the Minister satisfied with the situation?
I am satisfied.