With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 to 41, inclusive, together.
As indicated in my reply to a question by Deputy O'Donnell on 26th October, 1972, the air companies have informed me that their operations are suffering severely mainly because of the drop in tourist traffic, which is a direct result of the Northern Ireland situation, together with the inadequate fare level on the North Atlantic and the high rate of inflation of costs. I am in constant touch with the air companies on all aspects of Government policy and inter-Governmental arrangements which affect their financial position. In particular I am having the question of relief in respect of landing fees for domestic flights and war risk insurance premiums examined. I am assured by the air companies that there is at present no question of large scale redundancies.