asked the Minister for Transport and Power the reasons for the cancellation of the Dan-Air charter from Dublin to the USA.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Charter Flight Cancellation.
24.
Presumably the Deputy is referring to the cancellation of a Dan-Air Dublin-Shannon-Toronto flight on 15th July, 1971. As indicated in the notice published by my Department, Affinity Group Charter Flights are authorised only when they comply with the conditions prescribed. These include (a) that application be made in writing to the Department at least 60 days before the date of the flight; (b) the group or club must have principal objects other than travel; (c) only persons who are members of the group or club for at least 6 months may participate; (d) public solicitation or advertisement for the flights is prohibited. The 60 days requirement is to enable my Department to check whether the charter is bona fide.
No written application was received in respect of a charter flight by Dan-Air from Dublin to Toronto on 15th July and application by telephone was made only on 12th July. Such information as was available about the flight clearly indicated that it would not comply with the prescribed conditions. Therefore, the application was refused.
Mr. O'Donnell
Did the Minister say that the passengers were accommodated by Aer Lingus?
Yes.
Mr. O'Donnell
Can the Minister say if Aer Lingus will be able to recoup the cost from Dan-Air?
I hope they will. They are pursuing this matter.