asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the Government have been approached by Aer Lingus for financial assistance at any time over the past 12 months; and if it is his intention to afford Aer Lingus any such assistance in the foreseeable future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aer Lingus Financial Assistance.
9.
Aer Lingus have raised with me the question of obtaining relief in respect of landing fees for domestic flights and war risk insurance premiums. The matter is under consideration.
Would the Minister state if he has had any request from Aer Lingus in regard to the enormous losses in revenue which they anticipate this year? Have Aer Lingus asked him for any assurance as to whether the Government will cover these losses?
Let us get this matter into perspective. Aer Lingus have not used the word "enormous".
I will use the words "major losses".
"Enormous" was the adjective used by the Deputy.
What would the Minister use?
"A loss", but not "enormous".
Will the Minister state the sum involved?
I will not state the sum, but certainly it is not enormous.
Would it be £500,000?
The Deputy should put down a separate question on that.
What is the amount of these landing fees which the Minister has told us Aer Lingus have asked him to be relieved of? What case can the Minister make to other airlines if he releases Aer Lingus from these landing fees? Are the people of Ireland to bear this burden over and above all other expenditure they have to bear?
If the Labour Party are not ad idem in this respect, I cannot help them.
Will the Minister tell us——
I am calling Question No. 10.
I have only asked one supplementary question. I am entitled to another one anyway. Would the Minister tell me what answer he will give to other air companies if he relieves Aer Lingus from landing fees?
That is the problem.
Tá an ceart agat.