asked the Minister for Transport and Power if any new arrangements have been made regarding ABC charter flights for 1974.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ABC Charter Flights.
14.
The advance booking charter (ABC) system was developed internationally through the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) and was introduced on the North Atlantic in 1973 on a basis agreed between ECAC member states and the United States and Canadian administrations. A review of the experience gained in 1973 is in progress between the states concerned but in view of the relatively short period of operation of the ABC system to date I do not envisage that there will be any change in the main conditions governing the operation of ABC charter flights during 1974.
Would the Minister consider changing the advance booking period from what was agreed this year—I understand it is approximately 90 days—to 30 days? The tourist interests, the travel agents and the people involved on both sides of the Atlantic agree this would help the charter business at Shannon.
The ABC system applies to flights from here. Travel group charters affect the incoming tourists from America and there has been much concern in America about the many forms that have to be filled in and also the many conditions attached to the operation of travel group charters. I understand from my Department and from Aer Lingus that there is more understanding now of these rules by the travel trade in America and there is hope that next year there will be an improvement in the situation.
Regarding the ABC charters from this side in respect of flights going west, I have had a number of discussions with the travel trade in this regard and they are quite happy with the way in which the flights operated this year. I do not think any change is being made for next year.
Is the Minister aware that BOAC and all the other reporting carriers to IATA have reported an appreciable increase in their charter business on the North Atlantic route this year while we here have experienced a considerable decrease? It seems to me there is something seriously wrong with our——
The Deputy is making a statement in the matter.
Is the Minister aware that there is a strong belief among the people involved in tourism that there has been unnecessary policing of our affinity groups by CAB on the other side of the Atlantic and while I have no wish to accuse Aer Lingus of being involved in this, it is being said that they have been prompting this policing?
The Deputy is making a very long statement. Let us have a precise supplementary.
Would the Minister clarify the position as between Aer Lingus and CAB on the policing of affinity groups who were responsible for organising these charters in the past?
I have no control over CAB. If they choose not to allow charters to fly which, in their opinion, are illegal, there is nothing I can do in the matter. I would be anxious that the whole charter business be cleared up. This has not been done for a number of years and the system has not been profitable from the point of view of the airlines. Indeed, it has put a number of them into serious financial difficulties.