asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he or any officer of his Department will attend the CAB hearing of the proposals to ban Aer Lingus from New York from August, 1972; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aer Lingus-New York Flights.
11.
Mr. O'Donnell
The CAB hearing is in pursuance of a direction to Aerlínte to show cause why the airline's foreign air carrier permit should not be amended by the deletion of New York from the 18th August, 1972. Aerlínte will be represented by their American lawyers and witnesses will be called on their behalf representing the airlines, Shannon Free Airport Development Company and the US travel trade. No officer of my Department will be attending the hearing as the matter is, in this context, one between the airline and the US licensing authority. Officers of my Department would appropriately be involved in inter-governmental negotiations with the US authorities. I have arranged to be kept fully informed of developments.
Mr. O'Donnell
Can the Minister state if this hearing will take place next week and if it will be in public? If it is in public, in view of the serious implications of the outcome of the hearing for the national airline, for Shannon Airport and western tourism, it would be desirable that the strongest possible case should be made to the CAB hearing with a view to having the ban against Aer Lingus withdrawn. Would the Minister not think it desirable that some officers from the Department of Transport and Power should attend? I think the Minister himself should attend. Has the Minister any comment to make on this matter?
The CAB have set 27th March as the date for the hearing before an examiner. It is expected that the hearing will last one or two days and the examiner will submit his findings to the board. Aerlínte will be represented and witnesses of high standing will be called.
Mr. O'Donnell
Can the Minister state if the CAB is a government institution or an independent organisation?
It is the Civil Aeronautics Board.
Mr. O'Donnell
Is it a government board or is it something similar to IATA?
IATA is an international organisation; the CAB is an American organisation.
Mr. O'Donnell
Does the Minister known if it is a government institution or an independent aviation authority?
I think it is an aviation authority. I do not know the precise relationship between the CAB and the American Government.