With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.
The airlines are very conscious of the need to keep fares as low as possible so as to attract additional business for their own services and additional tourist traffic for the country. In all cases the economics of operation must be taken into account and the fares structures must be related to costs and commitments. In addition, there are international commitments which cannot be ignored. If for reasons beyond control costs continue to rise, and that is still the current position, I must be prepared to authorise reasonable fares increases so that the airlines may continue to provide the services necessary to meet public demand.
I have not yet received proposals from Aer Lingus for cross-Channel fare levels in the year commencing 1st April, 1973. If and when I receive such proposals I will deal with them in the light of the considerations I have just mentioned.