asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether any changes are contemplated in the regulations governing landing rights in this country for American air charter operators; and if he will make a statement on the implications for the Irish tourist industry of the hitherto restrictive regulations governing these charter operations.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Air Charter Operators.
18.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to what are known as affinity charters. My policy in relation to landing rights for these charters is very liberal. I permit American scheduled operators to operate charter flights from any point in the USA to this country. I permit non-scheduled operators to operate charter flights freely from any points in the USA which are not on the routes of the designated scheduled airlines. I permit on-route charters as well where the scheduled airlines concerned are unable to provide the capacity.
There was a marked falling off in charter traffic from the USA in the present year. This is attributable to a number of factors including the strict enforcement of charter regulations by the American Civil Aeronautics Board and by IATA airlines. The situation in Northern Ireland also had an effect on the traffic.
To counteract this situation the scheduled airlines provided special low group fares to accommodate charter traffic. I am keeping this matter under close scrutiny and when the necessary statistics of traffic for 1970 are available I will consider what action, if any, may be desirable.
Could the Minister give even an approximate estimate of the amount of tourist traffic lost by reason of the restrictive regulation?
We are getting those facts. We are broadening it out; my policy is to liberalise completely this particular type of traffic next year.
Is it reasonable to assume we lost tourists as a result of this?
It has been a factor but it will be changed. I have met the interests concerned with a view to changing it.